Joseph Felix Mastrangelo

Joe Mastrangelo, known to many as Banjoe, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025 after fighting several medical complications from an unfortunate automobile accident. He was 69 years old. Born on October 3, 1955 in Canonsburg, PA. to Felix and Dina (Mastrovincenzo) Mastrangelo, Joe made his home in Smithfield, VA. where he built a life filled with laughter, music, love and dedication to his family and friends.
Joe was a graduate of University of California – San Diego and had a rewarding and successful career as a chemist, customer service manager, and program manager. He
retired from Lockheed Martin in 2018 serving as a project manager. Joe was well traveled while working, both domestically and internationally, and was always ready to share his experiences and stories of new friends.
Joe was a very enthusiastic and talented musician. His love for performing began while in a high school band. He honed his guitar and banjo skills early in life and played in many local bands. However, his greatest joy and achievements came from being a member of several local bands including the bluegrass band, Hard Knox and the country rock band, The Daniel Jordan Band. The Hard Knox traveled to many places to share their love of bluegrass. Joe and his band buddies in The Daniel Jordan Band, are well known for their sound on the Outer Banks and other North Carolina spots with a large following of faithful fans. Joe took great pleasure in playing the banjo, singing, and spending time with the bands and their many followers.
A social guy, Joe delighted in stopping by establishments to greet and chat with folks in Smithfield. Planning for and preparing meals gave him pleasure each day. Joe stayed in touch with childhood and former school friends as he was known to be kindhearted, gentle, caring, and very humorous.
Even after battling Juvenile Diabetes for 60 years and eventually losing his left leg, Joe never let his disabilities effect his attitude or prevent him from always living life to its fullest. In fact, Joe was on his way to perform with the Daniel Jordon Band when he had the automobile accident that eventually took his life.
Joe is survived by his wife, Cathy of 40 years and his son Daniel (Sunni) Robertson. He leaves behind his brother Jim (Toni) Mastrangelo from Sun Prairie WI., his sister Lucy (Sal) Haney from Glen Mills, PA., and his beloved four grandchildren Tyler (Kate) Robertson, Nick Robertson, Shay (Zack) Robertson, and Violet Cheney and two great grandchildren. His grandchildren and great grandchildren filled his heart with tremendous joy. Several nieces and nephews and cousins in the US and Rome, Italy mourn their loss.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
If you would like to make a donation in Joe's memory, please consider Breakthrough T1D (Juvenile Diabetes Research and Advocacy) https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2376.donation=form1&idb=1148055869
&df_id=2376&mfc_pref=T
OR
Autism Partnership Foundation
https://autismpartnershipfoundation.org/