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Joseph LeVaca Obituary
Joseph Peter LeVaca
Joseph Peter LeVaca, born February 28, 1942, in New York, NY, died peacefully at home among family members on May 3, 2023. He was Joe to his friends, so that's what everyone called him. Joe graduated from Epiphany School and LaSalle Academy in New York City. He served in the Army National Guard for six years (Specialist 4th Class) and earned a Certificate Degree from the American Institute of Banking in 1969. Joe worked for 15 years with Chemical Bank (now JP Morgan) and was an Assistant Branch Manager.
In 1979 he found his true calling. Referred by a friend who managed The Palm
Restaurant in New York, Joe relocated to the Washington, DC area and worked at the D.C. location of The Palm until 1996. Joe's outgoing, friendly, irreverent (to say the least) sense of humor and winning personality made him greatly requested. He bantered with politicians, celebrities, and anyone lucky enough to have Joe as their waiter.
A woman Joe had known when they were children at Epiphany School came in one night for dinner. Elizabeth and Joe married for life in 1991. They moved to the Glenmore Country Club in Keswick, Virginia in 1996. Joe was a regular presence at the golf club where he played with the Silver Eagles, was a fixture at the pool and fitness center where he worked out and socialized, or vice-versa, for over 25 years. Joe was a long-time volunteer at Martha Jefferson Hospital and greatly enjoyed University of Virginia football and basketball games. Joe was a life-long N.Y. Jets fan and season ticket holder from 1976 – 2014.
His greatest joy was his grandchildren. Joe was an extremely loyal friend and maintained contact with many, near and far, and was a music lover who had a special place in his heart for Louis Prima. He loved making people, including himself, laugh, anywhere, anytime, including during his last days.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Joseph LeVaca and Anna Curran, his sister, Anne Marie Kubler and his son Kevin LeVaca. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Elizabeth LeVaca, daughter-in-law, Manuela LeVaca, stepdaughter Jennifer LaPlume (Daniel), stepson Christopher Fuhrman (Jean), Terrence Williams (Tina), grandchildren Tyler, Emma, Peyton, Terrence Christopher, William, Mathew, Amanda and Natalie, brothers-in-law Charlie Kubler and Bruce Williamson (Marianne), sisters-in-law Kate Bell (Tom) and Roberta Bell Williamson, nephews Carl, John and Michael, nieces Erin and Sarah.
There will be a celebration of Joe's life to be announced later. In leu of flowers, please consider supporting S.A.R.A (Sexual Assault Resource Agency, Charlottesville, VA. 800-656-4673 / www.saracvikke.org) an organization Joe felt was so important.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph LeVaca
Christianne Russo Ricchi
December 18, 2024
Joe was one of the most unique and nicest men I've ever known. Through my interactions with him on the CNR board and when he would make his semi-annual trip to DC to restock his bar (he would always come to i Ricchi for lunch) we shared many laughs. I remember him with great affection.
george matranga
July 7, 2024
George Matranga & Familyv grewup with Joe on 21st Street never stopped thinking about him as time and location grew us appart, I thank him for many teen age years of fun. my birthday is 6/2/42hw will be missed by many here in ny but his memory will remain
Terri Aiello
April 30, 2024
was a great friend for many years. may God hold him in his arms forever, you are dearly missed.
Maureen
April 29, 2024
Missing Joe´s laugh and smile and stories. We´ll light a candle and raise a glass in his memory!
Maureen and Dan Murray
Michael (Flash)
July 19, 2023
Joe & I worked together at Palm Restaurant DC with Tommy & Ray Jacamo during its heyday
Will always remember his kindness & laughter
Rest In Peace Joe...
Michael Kuebler
June 13, 2023
Rest in Paradise, Uncle Joe! Some of my fondest memories involved you. He would always have every room he entered laughing and happy.
You will be extremely missed but, I find comfort you are now in heaven at peace with your sister, son and parents.
Joellen Finazzo
May 25, 2023
Mr. Levaca was one of my favorite guests when I worked at Petit Poi´s. Always kind and hilarious. It would always make my day when he would come in for a meal. So sad to hear of his passing but so happy the world was blessed with his kind soul. Pretty sure he is up in heaven making the angels laugh.
Casey Wilson
May 20, 2023
I so looked forward to all the times I got to spend with Joe. His humor and vivacity will leave an indelible mark on my heart. What a joyride you were, Joe!
Maureen Murray
May 18, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Joe´s passing away. He was one in a million and we will miss him. We have memories of many hours spent laughing at his jokes and discussing food, restaurant reviews, and life in general. He was a sweetheart always ready to help when needed and donating to various charity food drives. A truly special person!
Maureen and Dan Murray
Sallie Slater
May 17, 2023
May the love of friends bring you comfort today and in the days to come. I will always have a fond place in my heart for Mr and Mrs LeVaca.
Darlene Lee-Hill
May 9, 2023
Such a blessing as a volunteer at Martha Jefferson. May God comfort his family.
Terri Aiello
May 8, 2023
Joe was a very dear and good friend, he will be missed by all, rest in peace Joe.
Christianne Ricchi
May 7, 2023
Oh no! The world is now a sadder place. God bless you, Joe and Elizabeth.
Butch Brown
May 7, 2023
So sorry for your loss, it always made my day when he would come to the store ( Foods ), he was a treasure, I will miss him very much....Butch Brown
Janet Hendrix
May 7, 2023
Joe,
Cheers!
Jody Forman
May 6, 2023
I'm sorry to learn of Joe's passing. Please accept my condolences. I know along with Elizabeth, he was a patron of the performing arts in C-ville
Jody Forman
Carol Weber
May 6, 2023
My husband and I knew Joe for years.
He was a wonderful man, who will be sorely missed.
He cared about helping others and was always there to lend a helping
hand and to tell you a joke that was really funny.
If there was anyone you will never forget...it was Joe.
God rest his soul.
Bet he´ll be playing golf with my husband...lol they´ll be playing golf in heaven together and with all his golfing buddies.
Miss you...
Rev Greg E Scott
May 6, 2023
As I work at the Greenbrier Hotel in wss wv Mr Mrs LEVACA and there family have been coming as long as i been working here sending our Deepest sympathy and condolences to this great Family humbly submitted First Baptist church of wss wv rest in peace.
Tori Skipper
May 6, 2023
I had the pleasure of serving and chatting with Joe over the years at Fabio´s Pizza. He was absolutely one of the greatest guys I will have ever known. His jokes, laughter and infectious happiness will forever be missed. Mrs. Levaca and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May the happy memories bring you peace and comfort.
Charles Kuebler
May 6, 2023
RIP brother!
Michael and Nickel Lepchitz
May 6, 2023
Nickel and I had the privilege of living across the street from Joey and Elizabeth for a number of years. They were great neighbors and are life-long friend we hold dear. Our deepest condolences. Joey will always be in our hearts. He was the most giving and generous friend one could ever have.
David Joseph Toscano
May 6, 2023
Joe was truly one of a kind. He will be missed by so many
Ginnie Gillen
May 6, 2023
Joe, we will miss you so much. Liz, you are in our thoughts and prayers. You have so many happy memories to comfort you. Your friends are here for you to give you comfort.
Ginnie and Pete
Elaine Muntner
May 6, 2023
Joe and I worked together as volunteers at Martha Jefferson. Of course, he always made me laugh! Also, he was such a good friend to me when my daughter passed away. Such a kind, funny and thoughtful man. A GEM!!!
Everett Bonner
May 5, 2023
I always enjoyed conversations with Joe when he came to Mandeville,La. He was always so colorful and a great story teller. I know all will miss him.
SARA Staff
May 5, 2023
The SARA Staff sends our deepest condolences to the LeVaca Family. Thank you for the generous contributions in Joe's memory. We are honored and humbled to see his committment live on through these gifts.
Brian L Finale
May 5, 2023
Joe, you will be missed. Your sense of humor, camaraderie and all around great personality. You will be a great addition in heaven. Just remember where you are when you start telling jokes. Rest In Peace my friend.
Brian Finale.
Jenny Gardiner
May 5, 2023
Still hard to believe that The Mayor is gone but I know he is up in heaven issuing mayoral decrees and making fast friends with everyone. I will miss Joey so very much--he was a great friend, so much fun, so many laughs, the life of the party. Sending love to you all
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