Dear John and Family, 

I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved son Joseph. It was just heartbreaking to learn of his passing.  He was so loved and may his memories bring peace to you. Joseph was blessed to have a family who cared and loved him so much. 
God bless, 
Deborah Delaney

Mrs. Lanave, 
My deepest condolences. 💐 my thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Benson Joseph and Jesse Tame send their condolences as well. We all love you very much, and were very sad to hear the news.  We know you were his biggest cheerleader and advocate. You are an incredible women and you were BOTH lucky to have each other.  
Send in tons of love your way. 
- Cathy Marino

Hi Mrs. Lanave,
It’s Dr. Ralph Berk. Dr. Dorit Hermann told me of Joseph’s passing. I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. He was a special person that was supported by a super mom. I always marveled at your “whatever it takes attitude”.  I’ll never forget how amazing you were when we decided to to do some orthodontics on him. I couldn’t have asked for a better mom to partner with for this endeavor. 
Again, my deepest heartfelt condolences.

Oh my dearest Dee. I was unaware of Joe's passing. You know I would have been there. I'm so happy that I was able to see him at the parade. You are a special person. God gave Joseph to you, because he knew you would do everything in your power to get services for him. I'm writing this with tears in my eyes. May his memory be eternal❤️🙏⚘️

Dearest Dee and John:
I was so saddened to hear of your loss.  I met you when Joe was 3 years old and throughout the years have watched him grow and blossom in so many ways.  I know I speak for so many of us in the Early Childhood Program when I say that he remains a very special part of us in every way.   He, and all of you, will remain always in my heart.  With my sincerest sympathy.
Jane Mullin

Thank you, Joe, for sharing this moment in time with my family, just two weeks ago we met you.  It was a moment in time where everything slowed down, and I was able to witness the power and beauty of the bond between a mother and son.  Mateo and Liam will not forget you, Ms. Dee and Joe. 
Thank you for being part of our lives and sharing yours with us.  Joe was so blessed to have you both.  We are sending hugs to you now.

Dear LaNave Family,

It was a blessing to meet Joe two weeks before his passing.  Mateo and Liam will never forget him!  He was a beautiful soul finally at peace now.  We are so grateful we could share that moment in time while waiting for the bus together. 

We love you, Ms. Dee! What an incredible mother, teacher, and person you are ❤️🙏.

May the Lord, comfort you and your family during this difficult time. And bring you peace knowing that Joe is finally above smiling down on you now…free. 

With Love, 
Johanna, Mateo, Liam & Siegel Family

We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. O’Hara Family.

You were an angel placed here on earth to make all
of us better people, and we are, because of you!

Your electric smile always lit up the room. We will love and miss you always, sweet, kind, Joseph.

Ken, Lorraine, Amanda, Patrick, and Joseph Caiazzo

Dear Dee, John and TJ,
It is difficult to express in words how deeply sorry we are that Joey has passed.  Joey was pure light, bringing happiness to all who knew him.  
May your memories of Joey bring you some comfort at this time. He is your guiding angel now.
Much love, Arnold and Judy

Sweet, sweet Joe (Giuseppe, as a term of endearment Mom would call you).  What a beautiful soul you were- you made me laugh with your antics, and your facial expressions. You and your Mom exemplified a beautiful, everlasting bond.  Mom could instantly calm you when you grew upset, and then you would gleefully clap your hands together.  I already miss you.
May your parents, JT, and all who knew you find comfort in the memories indelibly imprinted in our hearts and minds.

I’m so saddened over the passing of Joe. He was more than my student, he was my son. We had a relationship rooted in love and trust and I will always remember the moments we shared. I thank his parents for entrusting his care to me and allowing me to love him, as my own. It was a full circle experience, one I’ll never forget, knowing that years earlier, Dee had done the same for my own son as his Kindergarten teacher, stepping in with warmth and care when Mrs. Parrott was on maternity leave.

After Joe graduated BOCES, it was my honor to help him and family transition to his new normal and again, Dee and John trusted me to go in and train the new people in my Joe’s life. When I would go visit, Joe honored me with his vibrant, handsome smile, leaning his head onto me, and clapping my hands in between his. In the same way, my presence made him light up, his made mine. 

Dee, John, JT and family, I am so very sorry for your profound loss. I’m praying that God gives you comfort in the days ahead. You were the best parents and advocates, not for only for Joe but for every child in his community. The selflessness and compassion you showed to the students, educators and staff at BOCES left a lasting impact. Your love and commitment was evident in all you did.  

Joe, I will miss you but I am thankful for all the good times we shared together. Go with the angels and remember always, you’re amazing, just the way you are.

Dear John and Diedre , I remember the first time you brought Joseph to the office in Saddlebrook. He was a new baby and I immediately grabbed him and walked him around the office showing him off to everyone. My  3 month old daughter was at home and I thrilled to be able to hold Joseph. Thank you for that memory

John-I was so incredibly sorry to hear about the passing of your son, Joseph. While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, the beautiful description of his love for life and his desire to spread kindness and laughter speaks volumes about the wonderful person he was. My heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences, and know that I am thinking of you.  Richie Perna & The Day Automation Team

I’m so sorry, Joe you are amazing young man and I love seeing your smile. It would light up the whole room. I remember working at Kaplan and thinking to myself. This child is an angel that came down to heaven to make other people smile. May God bless you protect you may be in God‘s grace Until we see each other again my dear friend. God bless you and protect your family as well because you are so going to be missed.

Dearest John and Diedre
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Joseph.  I know how devoted, loving, excellent parents you were. I also know that grief is love with nowhere to go. and both of you loved Joseph unabashedly.
I will share my memories and celebrate his life when I   see you  at the visitation on   Tuesday
  Sandra Kaplan

I am truly grateful for having the pleasure and privilege to have known Joseph Michael LaNave.  
He was a very special person who faced more challenges in his short life than many could ever even imagine.
Joe gave everyone who knew him a reason to smile. 
 Heaven has gained another precious angel. Rest easy🙏🏻

OBITUARY

Joseph Michael LaNave

December 14, 1989 – June 12, 2025

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc.

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