Joseph C. Lentini

Joseph C. Lentini (Joe) was born January 4th, 1939 in New York City to Maria and Biagio Lentini. He passed away on February 7th, 2025 after a long illness that he fought with grace and optimism. He was a kind, loving, unique person who lived "outside the box" with his own set of rules and will always be known for his enthusiasm, funny sense of humor and perpetual positivity.
After graduating from Brooklyn College, he joined the Air Force Reserves and went into commercial real estate in New York City. He started with William A. White and Sons in the mortgage department where he eventually met his wife, Holly, of 56 years. He then joined his brother Bill at William Capital Associates, where they worked together for 35 years in real estate investments. He loved every minute of the challenge and continued to dabble in real estate until his death.
Joe's passions were family, travel, racquet sports, gardening and golf as well as being an avid reader. His five grandchildren were so special to him, and Joe (Pops) felt blessed to see them grow up and took great pleasure in their successes. While living in Summit, NJ, Joe could be found on the paddle courts at Beacon Hill Club. He spent many happy summers in Bay Head and Mantoloking, NJ with his family playing sports, board games and occasional trips to Muellers and Hoffmans. He loved the beach and ocean as well as playing tennis at the Mantoloking Yacht club. In fact, upon retirement he and Holly moved to a tennis community in Vero Beach, FL. This was a favorite place for the family to gather. Joe loved to cruise with Holly and most of the vacations were trips to different parts of the world. All through his life, he loved to garden and traveled to visit many gardens throughout the East coast. For years, he enjoyed golf with his golfing buddies at Bent Pine Golf Club, and he was known to say "Great shot" to everyone even when they doubted it themselves.
Joe is survived by his beloved soulmate, Holly; son Joseph Lentini Jr (Melanie); daughter Lisa Lentini Byther (Tim); grandchildren Isabella and Beck Lentini, Jay, Jamie and Kate Byther. He is also survived by his sister Jennie Lentini, niece Michele Robbins, and cousins by marriage Becky Ney and Ruth Bell and many extended family and close friends. We will all miss Joe and his gift of gab, his ability to make everyone feel relevant and his smile that lit up a room.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Indian River County Main Library in Vero Beach, FL or the North Indian River County Library in Sebastian, FL.