Joseph Scerbo of Cypress, Texas, passed away on December 21 at the age of 75 where he loved to be the most, his home. He is survived by his very loving wife of forty years, Mary Vadell Scerbo, who gave him the utmost patience and care in his final months along with his sons Joseph Jr., Jason, Scott (Shelley Hazel) and daughter, Concetta. He is survived by brother, Frank (Lucille) Scerbo, sisters, Annie (Michael Seery) Scerbo, Roberta (Jack) Warren, and an enviable collection of overalls. His other family included many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law including a very stubborn one, John Vadell, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews. His very important promotion to Papa Joe came in 2015 and 2018 with his two beautiful grandsons, Maxwell Joseph and Mason Robert.
Joe was a force that enthralled you with his wit, personality and life knowledge. After graduating from Cliffside Park High School in 1966 where he was “never seen frowning,” he enlisted in the Army to serve his country. In 1973, after two tours of duty in Vietnam with the Fourth Infantry Division, he left the army to go back to New Jersey until he was recruited to be an officer with the Houston Police Department. Graduating 6th out of 24 students in HPD class #61, he spent his career in the Major Offenders and Recruiting divisions. His highlight shift was working the Astrodome in the summer of 1979 where he almost arrested a rambunctious PE teacher, Mary Vadell, who turned out to be the love of his life. Three months later, on November 2, 1979, they were married.
They landed in Oak Forest where they brought home their first son together, Scott Anthony, and then their daughter, Concetta Louise. After moving to Cypress, he made his mark as the most overqualified neighborhood watch guard, the most talented local Mr. Fix-It, the loudest staple in all Cy-Fair sporting event bleachers, and most importantly as the best father and husband out there. He was never prouder of his growing family than when Scott met Shelley Hazel and married her in June 2007. Her graduation from residency in 2019 was one of his proudest moments. It should be noted that she was the only doctor he actually looked forward to seeing as much as he did. The love he had for his family was above all else, and moments with them fulfilled his every hope and enriched the lives of those around him. He will be deeply missed and greatly remembered.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 5 - 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, 12 noon at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell St. Houston, Texas 77007. Interment with Military Honors at Houston National Cemetery 1:30pm.
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