"You wrote me a letter that said ... "what you feel I feel, what you think, I think. Our love runs in our blood. I will always be by your side, and I know you would do the same for me." The letter goes on but, you always looked out for me, protected me, and loved me. We were a team.... brother and sister. Your love will always be with me and I know your spirit is by my side always."
In loving memory of
Joseph P. Surace
November 12, 1982 - December 31, 2023
Joseph P. Surace
Greece: Passed away on December 31, 2023, at the age of 41. Joseph is preceded in death by his father, Paolo Surace. He is survived by his mother, Lily (Richard Brion) Surace; children, Jessica Mae & Paolo Surace, sister, Michelle (Joseph) Barbieri; nephew, Joseph Barbieri; and many loving family & friends.
Joe was a fun-loving person and had a zest for life.
Joseph's life story will be shared during visitation, 3-7 pm on Thursday, January 11th at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. His funeral service will be celebrated 12 Noon on Friday, January 12th at White Haven Memorial Park.
Memorial donations can be made in Joseph's name to the Veterans Outreach Center, 447 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620.
Remembering Joe:
Joseph Paul was born November 12, 1982, at Strong Memorial Hospital to Paolo & Lily Surace. When Joe and his younger sister, Michelle, were growing up their dad owned Surace's pizza shop, and their mom worked as an E.R. Trauma Nurse and then at Philips Medical Specialists.
Paolo and Lily supported Joe throughout every aspect of his life, the ups, the downs, the wins, and the losses. You could not have asked for more attentive, present, and loving parents.
Joe graduated from Canandaigua High School. He dedicated several years to the Army National Guard, serving his country in Guantanamo Bay and the Mexican Border Patrol. He attended Finger Lakes Community College, finishing at SUNY Brockport with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He has worked at Surace's Pizza, CS Docks, was a limo driver and often night club security.
Growing up he was on the school wrestling team, he enjoyed dirt bikes, his motorcycle, snowboarding, hunting, jet skiing, and playing cards but spending time with family and friends was most important. Joe loved all kinds of music; he enjoyed playing the piano and drums and loved watching action movies.
He was most known for tomfoolery and mischief. He was a funny young man, but passionate at the same time. Joe was a loyal and proud friend; someone you could really count on. His level of compassion was admirable, that is how his friends and family lovingly described him. Growing up Joe had a group of close friends from high school and the wrestling team. He, Ian, Mikey, Scooter, Jo Jo, and many more were always hanging out together, going to parties, and riding ATVs.
Most important in Joe's life was his family. He has 2 children, Jessica Mae, 11, & Paolo, 9. Even though Joe was sick for most of their lives, they still managed to spend time hanging out in the pool and on the lake. He was the cornerstone of the family. He was the strongest man with the strongest willpower to live. Even through the difficult diagnosis of cancer, he never lost his smile or positive attitude. He was an amazing man with a wonderful team mentality and skills. Everyone he met or encountered always made them laugh, and smile and always created a story or a lasting memory. He was a true servant to God, cherished his family and friends and will be deeply missed.
Tributes
"My son, my love for you is beyond what words can describe. From the moment you were born and I held you in my arms, I finally knew what true love was. You made me a mom. From that moment on, my purpose in life changed. It was to protect you, care for you and always be by your side. I could not be more proud to know how many lives you have touched throughout your life. You were loved by so many people. Your laugh, your smile and your kindness is ingrained in the memories of anyone who knew you. I?m so proud of the man you became. But for me, you will always be my baby boy. My love for you is endless. "
"Hey brother! Thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege of serving with you in the New York Army National Guard and at JTF Guantanamo. I remember your smile and never ending happy demeanor. When I would see you, I always welcomed the opportunity to stop and talk because I knew I would come away feeling just a little bit better. It was impossible to walk up to you and to not have a smile on my face. Even though we don't understand why, God has called you home so your work here must be over. We don't cry for you but for ourselves for we'll miss you here on earth but we know you are enjoying the joy and glory of heaven and God's presence. To Jessica Mae and Paolo, we've never met but I know if I met you, I would see your Dad. Maybe in your appearance, maybe in your warmth and personality. Although his physical body is gone, his love, wisdom and memories are timeless and will live in your hearts forever. "
"Dear little cousin, although we never meant..I truly am saddened that your fight ended this way..However, now the pain is no more and hope you light up the world up there..Fly high and spread your wings you earned them...Jacqueline and Barry Roberts"
"Sgt. I truly don't know where I would be in this world if it wasn't for you. You gave me a future that I had never considered and even after it didn't work out the way either of us hoped, you stayed in my life and encouraged me in all things. Many people say don't meet your hero, but I was glad to have met mine. Forever and always, you will be my hero and not just for your service but for your fight over the last 8 years. Fly high my friend, until we see each other again. Hooah!"