Joseph F. Von Stetina

JOSEPH F. VON STETINA

LOUDONVILLE - Joseph F. "Joe" Von Stetina, 64, of Latham, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Born and raised in Latham, Joe was a lifelong resident of the community he loved. He was the beloved husband of 32 years to Paula Von Stetina and the proud father of Stefan and Franz Von Stetina. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Marcia Von Stetina. He was the youngest of five siblings and is survived by Mark Von Stetina; Gary Von Stetina and his wife Maureen; Jean Scammacca and her husband Michael; and was predeceased by his sister Kathy Irwin and her husband Richard. Joe was a cherished uncle to Courtney (Jonathan Levy), Christopher Irwin, Marybeth Von Stetina, Eric (Ali) Von Stetina, Nicholas Scammacca, Gabriela Scammacca (Raegan and Jesse Hammers), and Abbi Roy.

Joe had a remarkable gift for connecting with people - he never forgot a name and delighted in striking up conversations with those he encountered, often recalling school days or shared memories from decades past. An athlete in his youth, Joe was a talented pitcher and a standout in Latham Little League, leading the league with an impressive record of no-hitters. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the Northeast to ski and spent his younger years riding dirt bikes.

Joe's greatest passion, however, was music. He discovered his love for drumming as a member of the school marching band and went on to perform with several bands throughout the region, including Whip, Fury, and Triffid. With them, he toured venues across the Northeast and into Canada, sharing his love of music with countless audiences.

After meeting Paula in 1978, the two built a life together filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences. Joe earned his degree in civil engineering from Hudson Valley Community College and dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Times Union newspaper, where he worked in the transportation department.

In addition to his passion for music, Joe enjoyed attending concerts around the Capital Region and traveling with family and friends. His warmth, sense of humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours on Friday, October 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 11, at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville with Rev. James Walsh officiating. Interment will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to St. Pius X Church at www.stpiusxloudonville.org/giving or St. Peter's Hospice at www.communityhospice.org/donate.

For directions, to order flowers, or to leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.