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Joseph DeCecco Obituary
Jun 22, 2024
Suddenly. Devoted son of Mario and Nancy DeCecco. Loving brother of AmyLyn (Jeffrey) Hark. Dear uncle of Michal Joseph Hark. Also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive friends at the C. Mertz and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 911 Englewood Ave. Wednesday from 3-7 PM. All are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Church, 1085 Englewood Ave. Thursday. For time, check our website. In lieu of flowers donations in Joe's memory to the Kenmore Volunteer Fire Department. Please share condolences at www.mertzfh.com. Joe was a history teacher at Lackawanna High School for 23 years and and was serving as a Kenmore Village Trustee.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DeCecco
Zoey Cassick
January 8, 2025
Hello Friends and family of Mr. DeCecco i would like to say thank you for being a part of Mr. DeCecco's life he might not have been who he was without you all. I would also like to add that me and Mr. DeCecco share a birthday and he will always be celebrated with me. Thank you all and Mr. DeCecco Rest In Peace.
Carl Rizzo
July 7, 2024
I helped out every morning at Amici's Restaurant preparing the sauce and Joe came in every morning for a cup of Espresso before he went to work .We became good friends . He will be truly missed. Joe came over my house many times and he always made me and my wife laugh. He was a great friend and will be missed. I think of all the good times we had together. I will be praying for his Family and I will keep my memories of Joe alive in my Heart.
Maranella Lis
July 7, 2024
Joe was my dads best friend. And he was over at my house almost every day. He would tell me jokes and annoy me. I always had fun with Mr. Joe. He would also come and annoy me while I was at dance. He was a great guy. I really miss him. He was like my uncle. Close to my father. He was so kind. I don't think I knew anyone more funny and caring. Thank you for supporting me through all of the good and bad times. I will miss you so much. Thank you for the memories. Fly high JoeyD !
aaron karmin
June 29, 2024
Joe and I were tight at Hoover Middle. I helped with his paper route, cheered him on at baseball games or band performances and was welcomed as part of his family. He came to my Bar Mitzvah, we took trips to Fantasy Island Amusement park, went riding bikes around the area, played video games and pool in his basement, shooting hoops in his driveway, swimming in his backyard, and went on double dates to the movies and the mall. It’s been decades but I think of Joe with a smile and laugh. The world lost a good person with a big heart.
Dianna
June 28, 2024
You will be greatly missed. Prayers and love to you and your family.
May you rest in peace.
Lisa Sulpizio
June 28, 2024
You were the teacher of both of my graduate children for 11th grade US History and they are both crushed by the news of your passing. They both hold you in high regards, being so great at your job. We will miss you next year, so very much. May peace be with your family.
Patricia Miceli
June 28, 2024
Dear Marty & Family My heart goes out to you at this time. I never knew your son but i do remember you talking about him often. May you talk with him often to keep your hearts warmed and peaceful. God Bless
Vega family.
June 27, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. My family had the pleasure to-know Joe. We went to our lady of Loreto church. He was a very special young man. He and my kid used to hang be together all the time. What a beautiful smile he always had. Fly high Joe. RIP.
Class of `06
June 26, 2024
He was my favorite teacher in high school, he is the reason I went to Canisius College, he had such an impactful presence at the school. I´m in shock.
Diane Charlesworth
June 26, 2024
My heart is breaking for Nancy, Mario and the rest of his family. I only met Joe once, but I distinctly remember his smile and his easy going nature. The memories you have will bring you some comfort during this trying time. <3
Coleen Hanna
June 26, 2024
I didn't know Joey personally. He was my cousin's cousin. As I read through these loving tributes, I realize what a loss to me to have not known a true hero. I pray that all of the folks Joey impacted will carry his spirit forward so that he continues to influence our troubled world for the better.
Brian Kramer
June 25, 2024
I attended classes with Joe while at Buffalo State, both of us history students and aspiring teachers.
Joe was intelligent, gregarious, and pleasant.
I am touched to read down through messages from students whose lives Joe forever impacted. The true reason for choosing a profession in education.
Although I had not seen Joe since completing studies, I never forgot him. Clearly he has left an indelible impression upon all those with whom he met and knew.
You made the world a better place Joe. May you rest in peace.
DB
June 25, 2024
I met Joe several summers ago. As his family, friends, and students know, he was one of kind. We can laugh, love, and smile, because we were associated with Joe, he made everything fun. The first ten minutes that I met Joe, well, he treated me as if I knew him ten years. I wanted to repay him somehow for lunches at the restaurant, he simply stated "this is what we do." He left an everlasting impression on me and many others.......Rest in Peace Joe, and God Bless.
Justin Gabreski
June 25, 2024
Justin Gabreski
June 25, 2024
Justin Gabreski
June 25, 2024
I am so sad to hear the news. Joe and I taught at Lackawanna together until I retired in 2019. My wife and I went on several travel trips with Joe and made so many great memories. We laughed a lot on those trips. The Corp Challenge was another fun event--as long as Joe was there. Joe brightened the room when he walked in. He will be missed. Sending love and hoping all the great memories his family and friends share with Joe will lighten your hearts. He will always be in ours.
Justin and Norine Gabreski
Renie Stevens
June 25, 2024
We only knew Joe from Amici´s restaurant. We were lucky enough to get him as our waiter often....and though that was our only relationship with him, we could tell he was a wonderful man. It sounds like he was a very positive influence on so many lives. We are so very sorry for your loss. Keeping his family and friends in our prayers.
Lena Mohamed
June 25, 2024
Joe DeCecco was truly one of a kind. I graduated 14 years ago and DeCecco was one of those educators I never ever forgot. He was kind, funny, and made his students feel like they could achieve anything. In 2021, DeCecco messaged me on Facebook and said "you made it on the Christmas tree this year!" It was an ornament we gave him our senior year. It read "#1 Daycare" which he laughed hard about since we were always in his class bugging him or poking fun at him. Today I realized how much he cared for his students not only academically, but as people. To save gifts from over a decade (& to remember who it was from) truly shows how genuine his interactions were. He found his calling with teaching and it truly showed. 14 years ago he taught me all about US history and today he taught me what it means to live a life that leaves a lasting light in the world. Sending love and peace to his family and friends.
Nancy Abramo
June 25, 2024
so heartbroken, so shocked and sad. My deepest condolences to the family.
Anonymous
June 24, 2024
Mr DeCecco truly was a great teacher but more importantly a good man. He was known as a jokester and his great smile but 20 years ago he told me that "just cause we are friends you can still fail this class" it was one of the most influential lessons about professionalism I have ever learned. That lesson along with many other ones learned from him through his infectious personality helped me through my journey in life. From the bus rides back f to our hotel in Disney on our senior trip to my journey into the top tier of our nations most prestigious military units I have applied the lessons I learned from him in so many aspects of my life. Those lessons live on today through the influence I have attained because of them. They are regurgitated through trainings and teachings in my current and former spheres of influence. Some of the lessons and mentorship I was privileged to get from JoeyD changed the trajectory of my life and even saved lives all around this world. His influence lives on today and will continue to live on through the lessons he might not even have realized he was teaching. I consider myself blessed to know him and have a chance to be influenced by him. Mario and Nancy, thank you for raising a good man. I cannot say enough. I will be praying for you and your family. God Bless you.
Charlie and Carol Burkhardt
June 24, 2024
Oh I'm so saddened by this Joe was always our favorite waiter at Amic's he will be sadly missed by many our thoughts and prayers to his family sincerely the Burkhardt family
Julian
June 24, 2024
Mr. DeCecco, you were a great teacher and an outstanding person. You were energetic daily and made taught us in a way that made sure we understood what we were learning. You were my favorite teacher, and I will miss you dearly. Rest in Peace, Mr. DeCecco.
Matt Roberts
June 24, 2024
Joe had a fearless personality. He could make anyone feel at home and comfortable just as they were, which is a sign of his caring nature. May all the fond memories bring some comfort to Joe's family and friends.
Billie Jean
June 24, 2024
I went to Hoover Middle School with Joe. The news of his passing was devastating. I will say a special prayer for all his loved one. Rest in Peace Joe.
Jeremiah
June 24, 2024
Mr deccco was the nicest person I've ever met he was my best friend he made sure I was safe on the senior trip and he was funny and help me make a egg sandwich we love you Mr deccco From Jeremiah from Lackawanna highschool
Hannah Pilarski
June 24, 2024
Mr. DeCecoo was a one of a kind person with the biggest & brightest smile that can light up a whole room. His legacy will forever live on with the lives he touched. Thank you for being such an amazing person and a huge part of my education. I´m glad I got to know you. I will forever appreciate the time I had with you
Seth W
June 24, 2024
Thank you, Mr.DeCecco, for sparking an interest for learning in the hearts of many students who had the privilege of attending your class. You certainly did for one.
Sal Bordonaro
June 23, 2024
I´ve known Joe for a few years and each time we met I was impressed with his intelligence and empathy. His passing will leave great void in Kenmore and Lackawanna. Joe was dedicated to his teaching profession as a history teacher and devoted to his students.
Adrianna Giangrosso
June 23, 2024
Mr DeCecco was the one of the coolest teachers he went above and beyond for his students and was always extremely proud of his students he made are history lessons fun and he always had the best Jokes I´ll always remember my time in his class.
Coleen Hanna
June 23, 2024
God bless everyone affected by Joey´s death.I did not know him but I heard so much about him from my cousin. He was amazing.
Mike Nowaczyk
June 23, 2024
May his continuous smile stay in your heart forever. We are sorry for your loss.
Linda Nowaczyk
June 23, 2024
Deepest sympathy to all of you at this time. May his smile stay in your heart forever.
Jazlyn
June 23, 2024
Mr DeCecco was my teacher; One of the best teachers I´ve had the honor to meet. Every morning he would have a smile on his face and would always joke with other staff and students. Prayers to his family and friends.
Joselyz
June 23, 2024
He was an amazing teacher if it weren´t for him I wouldn´t have learned everything i know about US history. Rest In Peace Mr. DeCecco We Love You.
Skye
June 23, 2024
He was such an amazing teacher, he made U.S. History so much fun! Going to class every morning and telling him good morning would always make my day better, he was the one who tried to make everyone laugh and smile. Even if you didn´t do your work, he would still sit and laugh with you! The jokes he made are unforgettable! He had a laugh, a soul, and a smile you could never forget! Im going to miss you and your shots of espresso every morning, imma go have one for you right now
Alexandra Barnes
June 23, 2024
Sending my thoughts & prayers to the DeCecco family. I am truly honored to have had him as a teacher of mine. He changed your mood just by his smile and laugh.
Marc Bruno
June 23, 2024
A pic of the last time I saw Joe. We sat on those two stools and laughed and laughed. One hilarious story after the next.
His smile was priceless. His laughter was infectious. His love for his family, friends and students was second to to none.
He was one of a kind. He was the type a person that lit up a room when he walked into it. The kind of person that was always happy to see you.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May they always cherish the wonderful memories with you and those memories never fade.
You made this world a better place in so many ways. Much love to you brother. Godspeed.
Patrick Lepeirs
June 23, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Michael Filipetti
June 23, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to the entire DeCecco family. Joe was one of the finest human beings I ever knew. He was always there for everyone. He had a easy going nature, and a kind and generous soul. He was a revered and valued friend, a trusted colleague, and a true brother to many. A class act always. We all had so much admiration for Joe. A true pillar of our school district, too. Please stay strong during this difficult time. My heart shares in your pain.
Kathleen and Ron Vinovrski
June 23, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We are sending our deepest condolences to Joe´s family and loved ones. Life is so unfair.
DMM
June 23, 2024
RIP
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C. Mertz & Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Buffalo911 Englewood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223
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