"I was so sorry to hear of your passing Dennis. I want to thank you first and foremost for being a wonderful friend to my father Vincent Gallo and for helping him deliver flowers for Gallo Florist back in the day. A special thank you for coming to pay your respects when my father passed away in October 2021. That meant so very much to me. Rest in peace Dennis and know our family loved you. ????????"
In loving memory of
Dennis M. Joy, Sr.
February 13, 1949 - August 30, 2023
Dennis M. Joy, Sr., a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated community member, passed away on August 30, 2023, in his cherished hometown of Rochester, NY. He was born on February 13, 1949, in Buffalo, New York, to Salvatore (Doris) and Teresa Joy (Lahiff).
Dennis shared his life with his beloved wife, Mary L. Joy (Marconi), whom he married on September 19, 1975. Together, they built a life filled with love and unwavering devotion while raising four children: Christine Garvelli of Buffalo, NY, Michelle Albertelli of Rochester, NY, Dennis Jr. of Rochester, NY, and he was preceded in death by his son Frank DiFabio. His legacy extends to his five cherished grandchildren: Joseph Garvelli (Haley), Jacob Garvelli (Kelsey), Justin Garvelli, Lexi DiFabio, and Benicio DiFabio. He is also survived by his brother, Louis Joy, and sister, Mary Ellen Joy Belding, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dennis will be remembered for his exceptional dedication, not only to his family but also to his community. His volunteer work was a testament to his selflessness, notably as a devoted member of the Barnard Fire Department. In August 1979, he achieved a lifelong dream by becoming an active member of the department. Despite his full-time job at Kodak and the responsibilities of raising a family, Dennis excelled in his volunteer role, earning recognition as a top call man multiple times during his remarkable 30-year tenure.
His commitment to the Barnard Fire Department extended to various roles, including serving as Chaplain from 1981 to 1983, as a member of the Board of Directors in 1985, 1986, and 1992, and as Department President in 1990 and 1991. Dennis's dedication also encompassed the broader community, as he served as District Commissioner from 2001 to 2005 and held the position of District Commission from 1994 to 2013. He resigned as an active member in 2010, having served an astounding 30 years, but continued to cherish the memories and lifelong friendships he formed with Fran McKenna, Ed Tydings, and Norm Gerhard during those years.
In addition to his dedication to family and community, Dennis had a profound passion for his dogs, affectionately known as "Da Boyz." He will be warmly remembered for his sense of humor, often expressed through his witty (and sometimes not-so-witty) corny jokes.
His laughter and positivity touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
To honor Dennis's life and legacy, his family invites you to join them for a visitation on Thursday, September 7, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Bartolomeo Funeral Home, located at 1411 Vintage Lane. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Avenue. Dennis will find his eternal rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made in Dennis's memory to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the Barnard Fire Department, 3084 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY, 14616, two close causes to Dennis's heart.
Dennis M. Joy, Sr. will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his enduring love, dedication, and laughter that brightened the lives of those around him.
Tributes
"Dennis, and Joy family. I?m sorry for your family?s lost. Thoughts and prayers to all. I will be thinking of you all. ?Rest easy bother we have it from here?"
"God Bless our Aquinas Brother. "
"The world lost a good man last week, a friend and mentor. He was dedicated and proud of his family and friends. Dennis was dedicated to his community serving as a rookie firefighter and ascending up thru the ranks to the Board of Fire Commissioners. He would stay up half the night solving world problems and telling mostly awful jokes but always with a smile. His biggest ?joy? was driving and operating Ladder 221. I think he considered it his personal hot rod. Rest in peace brother. Jim Gallagher "
"My heart was broken that I didn?t get the chance to say goodbye to you, tell you how much I?ve always loved you & wouldn?t be who I am without you. I never said thank you for all the times you protected me, took care of me and loved me as only a big brother could. And then I realized our love is embedded in our hearts, never to be forgotten, and we know the love that we shared.??"
"Dear Mary & Family, The world lost a shining star the other day but heaven gained a comedian! Dennis was always a gentleman & if you didn?t have a smile, you could count on him to give you one of his. May your loving memories help heal your broken hearts. Karen & Jimmy Gallagher "
"Dennis will be sadly missed; His wit and smile were bright spots to the day. His dedication to family and community were unwavering. I will miss my good friend...The world has a little less Joy in it now. "