Joseph A. LoVaglio

Joseph A. LoVaglio, age 56, of Blossvale, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at St. Joseph's Hospital, after a yearlong battle with kidney cancer. Joe was born in Rome on July 17, 1968, to Anthony and Barbara Leavens LoVaglio. As a young boy, he enjoyed spending time at his grandmother's house and often said he was her favorite grandchild. It was during these years he learned family values that shaped him into the man he was. He and his sisters would accompany their parents and work at Hawkins Amusement Rides, and to this day he loved to attend the local field days. He would often people watch and reminisce about the fun times he had as a young kid. As Joe got older, he also worked at Ponderosa and National Auto. Joe graduated high school in 1987, and attended MVCC, where he earned his associate's degree in welding technology and fabrication in 1989. On August 21, 1993, he was united in marriage to the former Margaret "Mickey" Stagner. Joe worked at Varflex, and Orion Bus Industries. After 16 years, Joe began working for the City of Rome as a mechanic and welder. As you drive through the city, you are sure to spot some of his work. He was a master of molten metal and would often teach those he worked with. To his former colleagues: if you are stuck, just think of Joe and his lessons; he will always be with you. He was a strong, dedicated man and could make a friend no matter where he was. He truly won't be forgotten. Joe is survived by his loving wife Margaret; his daughter, Jessica LoVaglio; his sons, Garrett (Molly Walston), LoVaglio, and Wyatt "Buford" (Bayley Megerell "Blue's Old Lady") LoVaglio; his grandchildren, Layne Henry LoVaglio, Audrey Kathryn LoVaglio; his bonus grandson, Waylon James Gilbert; his mother, Barbara; his sisters, Marie (Bob) Richie, and JoAnn Cook; his K-9 companion, Riley, who was his favorite child because she didn't talk back; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family. He was predeceased by his father, Anthony; paternal grandparents, Mary and Joseph LoVaglio; his aunt and uncle, Jennie and Charles Botcher; and mother-in-law, Kathryn Stagner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 17, at 11 AM, at St. Paul's Church. Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, on Monday from 4 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.