Joseph Michael Velardi, "Vj"

FRANKFORT – Joseph Michael Velardi, “VJ”, age 44, passed away, on July 19, 2024, with his beloved family by his side, in Frankfort, New York. He fought the good fight until the last second. A quitter he never was.

He was born on October 9, 1979, in the Town of New Hartford, New York, to parents Florence (Velardi) Burton and Tracy Burton. As a young boy, Joe was cute with a golden smile but as mischievous as a cat. Joe drove his Mia crazy while his mom and dad worked. He sure kept all the adults in his childhood on their toes. He channeled his energy into loving everything there was about football, baseball and basketball, namely 49ers, Astros and Knicks. He excelled in all three as an athlete, enough that scouts were after him until he hurt his knee. He fell in love with golf as he got older, a sport he enjoyed with many, especially his father, uncle, cousin and brother. He had a set of friends he golfed with as well, whom he cherished. Joe worked with Padula Roofing, who were his childhood friends for many years with his father.

Throughout the years Joe touched countless lives. He met his wife, Katerina and they created a beautiful family together. Joe was the father those kids cherished so much. He was also a grandson, to his beloved grandparents; a great brother, to his two siblings; and at the top of that list, an outstanding father and an amazing husband. He was also a beloved pop pop to Ezio, his Pride and Joy. He has touched so many lives and made so many days brighter just by his presence alone. He is a legend in his own right. We love you, Joseph, from now until we meet again.

Joseph is predeceased by his grandparents, Eleanor and Dominick Velardi and Joyce and Frank Fedele; his Godfather and uncle, Joseph Tartaglia; his beloved Aunt Mary; and his young cousin, Bryant Brown.

Joseph is survived by his parents, Florence and Zeke; His wife, Katerina; and his Children, Marissa, Joey, Gabriella, Rocco, Manny and his Princess, Sophia; his pride of a grandson, Ezio; His brother, Frank and wife, Lindsey and their children, Rocco, Laina, Eva, (Goddaughter), Francesca and Rosie; his brother, Joshua and his husband, Dave and their children, Connor, Bryanna and Lylah; his uncle, Dominick Velardi; and a special aunt, Laura.

We want to give a special thanks to all who helped in this time of need with countless prayers and blessings. May he walk with Jesus and watch over us until each one of us return home as well.

Services consisting of calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Frankfort/Ilion. Immediately after the services there will be a Celebration of Life gathering for Joe, at St. Francis DiPaola Society, 152 Eighth Ave., Frankfort, NY 13340.

Joseph’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to friends, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.

Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.