I am always late to the event, so sorry, but I so enjoyed all of the pictures of friends and family and Joe and Deb, so much joy and laughter and deep love for each other.

Joe and Deb are the kindest, smartest and most loving people I ever met. I know the sounds so trite but Joe’s spirit and love transcends death. Small comfort to his family and friends, I know, but he will always be in our hearts and souls as if we talked to him yesterday. I hope you are resting easy, dear man, free of pain and watching over the family you created.

Joe was one of the kindest men we’ve ever known.  Always ready to listen, help, and encourage anyone and everyone who needed him. Many happy memories and  so much laughter  with Joe and Debbi when our children were young and all living in San Diego.  Though we hadn’t seen Joe for several years he will forever be a good friend.  May he rest in peace❤️.

Our love Maria, Christopher, and Matthew

Joe was one of the kindest persons anyone could know.  We will miss Joe's first of EVERY month texts.  It brightened the start of the month with his kind and loving words.  Our heart goes out to the family.  Keri, thank you for joining my family.  You know we love you like a sister and daughter.  With that relationship we had an added blessing in meeting your Dad and Mom.  We have some fun memories together for sure.  God needed an Angel and he definitely got a great one.  He will be missed greatly.  Love to all....

Denise & Dane Bebermeyer  

All the ties of friendship and affection which knit us as one throughout our lives do not unravel with death. It was truly a blessing to have Joe as a friend. A stream of memories were replayed when I first learn of his passing. Joe and I first met in high school in the fall of 1960. We often had coffee in his Bronx kitchen to “discuss and cuss” what was going on with our lives. We knew that we could use each other as a sounding board for some of our “wild half baked” youthful ideas without judgement. We could open up and be candid with each other knowing that whatever we told each other was said in friendship. When the time came, it was a “no brainer” to ask Joe to be my “best man”. Our friendship continued well beyond our college years. Although we lived several States apart and not spoken in months, we could easily telephone each other and pick up our conversation without missing a beat. One of my favorite memories occurred in 2020, I sent Joe digital copies of school year photos from the 60s and 70s. Over the phone, both of us laughed at how young we looked and reminisced about the backstory of each photo. How I missed that joyful laugh. Joe always had a deep sincere interest in knowing what was going on in the lives of his friends and family. “How are you doing?” and “How can I help” were often spoken to his friends and family.

It is easy to imagine that when Joe’s soul arrived at heaven’s gate, he was greeted with a hardy “Well done, good and faithful servant!” It is comforting to know that Joe is in God’s loving care. 

Debbi We are thinking of you and your family when you are celebrating Joe’s wonder life. We are so happy to be part of your family. Everyone will miss Joe's monthly texts that were filled with his thoughtful words  

Love,

Lorraine and Anthony Bottalico