Joseph (Joe) Cannizzaro returned home to his Lord and Savior on May 5, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Joe was born in Staten Island, NY, the only child of Joseph and Janet (Zubeck) Cannizzaro on October 28, 1958.
Joe grew up in Travis on Victory Boulevard in Staten Island. He attended St. John Villa Academy, St. Peter’s High School and went on to graduate from St. John’s University. He fondly reflected on his childhood, having such wonderful memories of growing up in Travis and spending his younger years in his father’s diner, Ja Nets.
Joe was a well-respected member of the Staten Island community and a driven entrepreneur. This led him to pursue many successful venturesthroughout his life. In his younger years he owned Rocket Auto Sales, a wholesale car company, then established Community Respond, an alarm company providing security systems and guard service to many Staten Island homes and businesses. His professional journey then led him to real estate where he formed Global Source Investments. Joe was a reputable and well-liked landlord, owning an office building at 1911 Richmond Avenuefrom 1990 until 2022.
Joe was a passionate and knowledgeable motorcycle and classic car enthusiast. He enjoyed attending motorcycle rallies and classic car shows,such as Daytona Beach bike week, Sturgis, SD rally and Barrett Jacksonauto auctions.
Joe was devout and steadfast in his faith, a fierce warrior of God and country. He was a loving and faithful husband, a loyal friend, and respected business owner. He was a huge presence, vibrant and full of life. To know him was a gift; he left a lasting impression on everyone that he met.
Joe is survived by his wife and soulmate, Kella, along with countless family members and friends. He was considered and loved as a brother, uncle, father figure, and mentor. He was genuine; he truly had a heart of gold. Joe will be deeply missed by those that love him.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home on 1289 Forest Avenue in Staten Island. The family will be receiving guests on Thursday, May 11 from 2-4pm and 6-9pm.
A Catholic mass will be held in Joe’s honor at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 4055 Victory Boulevard in Travis on Friday, May 12 at 11am. Joe will be laid to eternal rest at St. Peter’s Cemetery alongside his father, mother, and many other family members.
From our family to yours please enjoy this Memorial Tribute to Joseph J. Cannizzaro.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PSWCP666NHMYCN6W
Service
Viewing
Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home
1289 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10302
Thursday, May 11, 2023
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Viewing
Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home
1289 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10302
Thursday, May 11, 20236:00pm - 9:00pm
Funeral Mass
St. Anthony of Padua
4055 Victory Blvd. Staten Island, New York 10314
Friday, May 12, 202311:00am
Burial
St. Peter's Cemetery
52 Tyler Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10310
Friday, May 12, 2023
Mark Blanchard says
Joey was the best of friends,, never had a low key moment, since we were kids, never a dull day hanging out, starting out with mini-bikes/motorcycles/ dune-buggies and then muscle cars to classic! Came from a family of golden hearts and was blessed to have so much love love to wife/family and friends around him.We all will miss you Joseph Janazeppi Antony Cannizzaro, May God Greet you in Heaven with open arms with love devotion just as you treated everyone you knew,,🙏👍😎
Linda / Bob says
As the tears roll down my face, how do I even begin to say how hard this loss is . .Joey was surely one of a kind. He was like a brother to us. There was always a good time. Always a lot of laughs when you’re around him. Yeah he could be a pain in the butt but he was a lovable teddy bear There’s nothing bad anyone can say about Joey. If you were his friend, you were a true friend. Joey treated his friends as they were family and most of us. He treated as brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews cuz he had no brothers or sisters. I know Joey from many many years. I’m going to miss the times we would meet up in Florida and go for dinner. I’m going to miss his big belly gut laugh that he always had And I can honestly say we are broken hearted and we are going to miss him with all our heart. Kella our heart and soul goes out to you. For the loss of Joey You definitely were his soulmate his best friend and the love of his life when he married you. That was the funniest day but he made the best choice. Joey will surely be missed and he was surely loved by many. We love you. Just like Joey was a brother to a lot of us here. Also a sister to most of us. Once again, I’m so sorry for your loss My prayers with you. May God watch over you and may God bless. Joey. 💔💔🙏🙏 Boy
I’m going to miss him.. I love you Joey and it’ll never be goodbye. It’ll be in so we meet again rest. Softly until we see each other …
Phil Watts says
Joe was not only my best friend but we considered ourselves BROTHERS. There are many people we meet in life but Joe and I had such a great bond between us that words can not describe and anyone who knew him and me would know what I mean. He was the most genuine thoughtful considerate person you could ever meet. He was so strong in life especially in his battle with cancer. He never gave up fighting. He was a MAN’s Man. He had a special bond with his Dad and after his father passed he cared for his Mom as he promised his Dad. He was Also blessed to have a caring, loving wife Kella who took care of him and loved him more then anything else in the world. They were truly meant for each other. Joe was also a true patriot he loved his country I will treasure the great memories we have especially being with him on the Holidays. I am sorry the party ended too early for him he deserved much better. I know that he is in Heaven looking down on us right now . His body is gone but his spirit will live on forever. Rest in Peace my BROTHER until we meet again.
Danielle Rizzi says
Joey came into my family during the 80’s thru my brother in law and one of Joey’s closest friends phil,
Years of memories fun & laughter
He always loved his cars we would go sit in the basement watch WWF back in the day
We were all introduced to kella and she’s been part of the family ever since.
as we all know
Joey will truely be missed by myself and so many .others I’m sure it was a beautiful moment being reunited with his parents he loved so much along with his beloved dogs
he rest in the sweetest peace
You know you’ll always have your spot at the table every Christmas Eve. With xtra calamari
Love ya always Joe Winggg da da dingg dinggg 🏍
Danni 🙏🏻💙
Michael Robles says
My uncle Joey was someone who genuinely had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone who asked. My entire life he was someone who understood me to the fullest and always gave me the benefit of the doubt no matter the situation. Few people have the gift of lighting up a room the way Uncle Joey did and I’m grateful I was able to be in those brightly lit rooms he graced for the better part of my 27 years on earth. I’m going to miss his laugh, his smile, his advice and his wisdom but most of all going to miss sharing a nice big meal with the only person who appreciated a good meal like I did. I’ll forever cherish the moments we had together but I’ll also always regret the time we didn’t and forever wish we had more. As I got older I feel like there was so much to learn from Joey but I know he’ll guide me through life from above. I’ll forever keep his name and legacy alive, love your nephew Michael
cammy russo picciano says
Joe was one of the greatest guys I knew our family knew Joe for many, many years. He was a true gentleman, very respectful and generous man. We loved listening to his stories he was real and knowledgeable he always had a great outlook on every situation. We will greatly miss his personable and charismatic sense of humor. Fly high Joe you are pain free now.
George and Jill Paramithis says
Our family’s crossed paths when we were kids, mine working the golf range and Joes family had Jan-nets across the street. We instantly became friends. From riding dirt bikes and our first cars down the West Shore, it was just good wholesome fun. It was always an adventure riding and driving with Joe. As we got older, we went our own ways but always kept in touch. We met up again a few years ago and it was like we picked up where we left off. We arranged dinner and the wives met. We all enjoyed each others company. Joe found the love of his life with Kella. We enjoyed their stories and had lots of laughs, not to mention the best Sangria. Just a genuine couple. Kella gave him the best care and support. Joe had a heart of gold which he shared with many. A one of a kind good guy. A true warrior to the end. We’ll miss him always and remember him fondly. Gone too soon my friend. May you rest in eternal peace.
Gary Dasaro says
Joe you came into my life, through our mutual friend Phil. We immediately hit it off in part for our love of vintage automobiles and Dogs. Joe had the best stories and told them with his own unique perspective, which made them even better. You were always there for me, especially when I needed real estate or business advice. Your knowledge and intellect was always on point. I will truly miss our car shows together, and our Thursday dinner nights out. You have touched my heart and soul with your love and wisdom. Joe I have to say you lived the American dream, and broke your ass for it. I am so sad that you did not have more time to enjoy it. You were the most genuine, and incredibly generous person… always. A true renaissance man and mentor to all. Love you Joe, and may you rest in peace my friend!
Tina Puga says
Joe was one of the nicest and most caring man I knew I can not say much more K Ella so sorry for your loss rest in peace god bless
Jim Brasseur says
Joe was a Bother 76 SPHS Eagle May he rest in peace
Lindsey says
Joe was an amazing uncle. He welcomed and treated me as family from day one. He was so funny but most importantly, Joe was kind, caring and generous. He was always willing to lend a hand or a word of advice. He will be greatly missed. Hugs and love.
Debbie Niola says
May choirs of angels escort you to heaven Joe.
Your heart is filled with the love of the Lord.
My deepest sympathies to Kella and all Joes friends and family.
I was privileged to meet Joe and Keller the last few months. You both touched my heart. Joe was a warrior. He loved his wife so much and was so proud to be joined together in faith and to be Kellers Godfather!
Debbie Niola
Friend in Christ and Prayer
Jay and Nancy Atlak says
When we are young, time is something we hardly ever think about.
We think we have our whole lives ahead of us and not to worry about anything.
It’s not until we get old that we realize how precious time on this earth really is.
I’m sure if we all had the chance for a do over, we would take it.
Growing up with and knowing Joey would definitely be on my do over list.
When we were young, Travis was a very special time and place in our lives.
Joey lived his life to the fullest. He made sure he balanced his work and pleasure times.
I was glad I had the chance to call him my friend.
At the end of our life times, all we have are our memories.
Memories of what we accomplished and the people we loved dear.
Let us all remember Joey as the good friend he was and the good times we had.
Kella, my condolences to you and remember all those good times.
May God bless you Joey and may we have the chance to someday meet again.
Alexandria says
No words can accurately express how grateful I am to have had the privilege of knowing you in this lifetime. I’m tearfully smiling to myself as I reflect on all the times we shared together. The memories that I treasure the most are the countless conversations we shared around the dinner table, breaking bread and sipping on Aunt Kella’s world-famous sangria, laughing with and learning from you.
You were always so willing to share your advice, your wisdom, and your values. You were consistently there to encourage me to stand up for what I believed in, and to give me the confidence to believe in myself. You’ve inspired me not just by your words but also your drive, your devotion to faith, family, and country, and – most of all – your sheer willpower to never give up. Your example has truly shaped me into the woman I am today, and I will never be able to thank you enough for that.
You were always the most vibrant presence and biggest laugh in the room, one that will surely be missed. You will forever hold a special place in my heart, and an empty seat at the end of the table on Christmas Eve (don’t worry, we’ll make sure there’s a plate of baked clams and calamari set for you). I’m so proud of how valiantly and courageously you fought your battles, and I am honored to carry your legacy as the second father you were to me. May you rest in the sweetest and most blissful peace.
John Rizzi says
My deepest condolences to his family. Joseph was a great person and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Kella England-Cannizzaro says
My beloved Joey – I may not have been your first love, first kiss, first sight or first date but I just wanted to be your last everything! If I were to live my life over, I would have found you sooner so I could have loved you longer! You love that saying. And I meant it with every fiber of my being. You are my love, you are my life. You are & always will be the best part of me. We were blessed to share a love that was pure & true. We were soulmates. You were my everything. My lover, my best friend, my family, my protector, my North Star, my biggest cheerleader & my critic when I needed it. I had a wonderful 2+ decades of loving you & being loved by you – I wish we could have had 2+ more decades.
5 things we can all do to “Live Like Joe”..
1 – Live Large!
2 – Laugh Loud!
3 – Love Hard!
4 – Keep Faith!
5 – Be Honorable!
I will love you until my last breath.
Rest easy in ethereal peace baby – I’ll see you soon
MaryAnne and Michael Plafcan says
Dearest Joe,
Michael and I are devastated by your passing. A tiny part of us thought that you would be OK. We always had hope and our prayers. You were a great friend, always there when someone needed help. Always with a smile on your face, you loved life, and you lived it to the fullest. Kella, please take comfort in knowing you have wonderful memories to cherish. Joe spoke so highly of you, and he always thanked God for you, he always said that you were his strength that got him through everything. Rest easy Joseph, we love you and we will miss you!
MaryAnne and Michael.