Joseph Francis Volpe Jr.

Joseph Francis Volpe Jr., a beloved husband, father, son, brother, papa, cousin, uncle and friend, was born on June 15, 1939 in Marine Park Brooklyn, the first of 10 kids. He passed away on April 4, 2020 in Richardson, Texas.

Joe, as his family and friends called him, always had a bright and kind spirit about him. He was truly unique, and he had the ability to light up any room he walked in to. He also had the ability to polish off an entire box of Entenmann's donuts in record-breaking time. As described by his Family, Joe was unique, bright, kind, funny, generous, and loving.

Joe graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas elementary school in Brooklyn. He spent the early part of his childhood with the generation before him, so he was the go-to person for information on any of the elders of the family. He then attended La Salle before going on to graduate from James Madison High School in Brooklyn. Following high school, Joe joined the Navy, spending most his time on the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier located in the Pacific. When he returned home, he started working for Drakes Cakes in Long Island City. In 1964 he married Jeanette Brisebois and they began their family.

Following his time at Drakes, Joe went to work for Entenmann's, relocating to Jersey. Several years later he moved to Dallas where much of his family had moved to. He spent the rest of his work years at ProSnax in Richardson with a brief stint back in New York. After settling in Texas, he located the race track and casino in Oklahoma which kept a smile on his face.

Joe’s laughter was contagious. If Joe started laughing, you couldn’t help but find yourself in convulsions just from being in his presence. He loved a good movie or a trip to the race track and casino, but more than anything in the world he loved his family. Joe adored his beautiful wife Jeanette of 55 years, who was the love of his life, his partner, his best friend. He was beyond proud to be the father of both Michael, and his late son Joey. He beamed with pride any time he spoke about them and their accomplishments. He loved both of them dearly. Joe was also blessed with six wonderful grandchildren (Joey III, Sophia, Owen, Coraline, Ana Scott and Jaden), who he cherished.

The first of ten children, Joe had formed a special bond with all of his siblings. The love he had for each and every one of them was like no other. Joe appreciated the little things in life. He always looked forward to and loved breakfast at the diner, with one request, the food be served hot right off the grill.

He loved to read and talk – of the 10 siblings in the Volpe family, he probably talked more than the other nine all-together. Joe never left the house without his favorite go-to black vest that his son Michael gave him, one of his all-time favorite gifts. To know Joey was to love him.

Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers Francis and Robert Volpe, son Joseph Volpe, and parents Joseph and Dorothy Volpe. Left to cherish his memory is his wife; Jeanette Volpe, his son; Michael J. Volpe, grandchildren; Sophia Volpe, Joey Volpe III, Owen Volpe, AnaScott, Jaden Volpe, and Coraline Volpe. His also survived by his brothers; Richard Volpe, John Volpe, Timothy Volpe, Anthony Volpe and Gerard Volpe, and his sisters; Verginia Volpe-Lanza, and Dotsie Volpe. Joe always lived young for his age, so we never expected to lose him so soon and he will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 22 at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Richardson, Texas with an inurnment to follow at the Church’s Columbarium.

The family intends to hold a Celebration of life at a later date for all friends and family to attend to share memories and stories of Joe.