Joseph Visalli

He was a man who could build. Joe Visalli built many things in his life, including a great legacy of family and friendships. Joe was born in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Italian immigrants from the Rome and Sicily areas. His many relatives taught him at an early age how to carve out a great life, even during trying circumstances. His mother Lena, and father Frank Visalli, along with his sisters Nancy and JoAnn lived in Philadelphia for many years. Joey "halos", as he was called for his distinctive eyes, tried his parent's patience as any boisterous young man might, but they also taught him how to be a gentleman, and overcome life's obstacles making yourself better for what you have learned from the experience.

After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served an honorable tour of duty as naval aircrew aboard P2V Neptune and S2F Tracker aircraft. His service during the Cuban Missile Crisis earned him a Bronze Star for his heroic actions and dedicated service to our Country. He acquired many skills while serving in the Navy, including electronics and electrical engineering. After leaving the Service, he settled in southern New Jersey and began working in the electronics field for Radio Electric, and later moved to Arrow Electronics. Here, he began designing circuitry and parts for various military and civilian projects, and not only gained more experience and skills in electronics, he also won over many friends who adored his contagious and congenial personality. He always made it a point to help his co-workers, and enjoyed their company while teaching them the craft he had come to love. During his time in New Jersey, his first son, Stephen was born, as well as his only two daughters, Kelly Ann and Maria.

In 1979, Joe relocated to Denver as a transfer within Arrow Electronics, and a movement into a new part of his career: sales, though he never lost his love for wires. He was also good with carpentry, as taught to him by his relatives earlier in life. He even expanded his repertoire of skills to include flooring and tile. This would serve him well after his semi-retirement when he went to work for Home Depot. Always quick to pick up new skills, he did well with anything that involved building or designing, his logical mind helping him circumvent obstacles easily. While in Denver, after remarrying, his second and third sons, Joseph and Anthony were born. Joe passed along what he had learned in life to all his children, and they feel so blessed to have had such a caring father. He would never tell his children exactly how to solve a problem, but would always help them find the answers on their own. A great provider to his family, and a hard-worker, Joe set a fine example for everyone.

Of course, Joe loved to relax when he could, loving to watch Star Trek, football and action movies. He enjoyed traveling, frequenting the beaches of the various Hawaiian Islands, even owning time share to bring his family on many trips to Orlando, Florida. He loved toying with stereo equipment and built a Quadrophonic sound system for his home. He also had a fondness for cars, and owned everything from a Mustang Mach 1 to a Chevy Blazer and a Jeep Commander. He'd often spend time on the weekends working on his cars and trucks, always making improvements to make things run like clockwork.

He finished his working years managing the electrical department at Home Depot in Centennial, Colorado, but always stayed active in retirement. Using his years of skill in carpentry he built furniture for his home and his children, passing down his knowledge and love of working with his hands. He shaped landscapes around his home, creating a lush retreat where his family would celebrate and relax. He left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of any that were fortunate to live and work with him. Being able to laugh and joke, combined with his consummate professionalism, made him popular with not only his friends and family but his dedicated customers as well. Through a long fight with cancer he battled valiantly to give his family six more years of love and memories that will be cherished forever. He is survived by his wife Susan, and their children Joe and Anthony, as well as Stephen, Kelly and Maria from his previous marriage with Bunny. He is deeply loved, and profoundly missed. We love you Daddy!