GUILDERLAND – Joseph J. Valek, 67, died suddenly Monday, Dec. 15, 2014 at his home. He was born in Albany, the son of the late Joseph W. and Mary Malatesta Valek. He was a 1965 graduate of Cardinal McCloskey High School, and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He earned a degree from HVCC in Criminal Justice, and was employed by the Golub Corporation. Joseph is survived by his sisters Jeanne Healy (Jeremiah), Grace LaPlante, and Mary B. Valek; his brothers Gerald (Bonita), James F. and Richard F. Valek; his Goddaughter Julie; and nephews Jamie and Joey. Funeral services private at the convenience of the family. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Ray Valek
December 21, 2014 at 5:51 amSorry for your loss,my prayers are with you.
charlotte lombardo
December 21, 2014 at 7:51 amDear Gerry and Bonnie, So sorry to read of the loss of your brother.Our sympathy to you and your family. We lost our oldest son 2 years ago and know how difficult it can be. Love and comfort to you both, Charlotte.
Ann & Len Tidd
December 21, 2014 at 8:53 amDear Jerry and Bonnie….so very sorry at your loss…our deepest sympathy…love Aunt Ann and Uncle Lenny
Bobby Piché
December 21, 2014 at 9:27 amMy memories of Joe will always be of us growing together in friendship and love during our Air Force days and several years after. I appreciate how his family accepted me as one of them. I will continue to hold you all, especially Joe, in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Bobby Piché
Linda Tidd-Dickstein
December 21, 2014 at 9:33 amSkip & I are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. They say they leave us this time of year so we remember them. How could we forget?
I will always remember him at Aunt Shirley’s house as being such a handsome man! And so much fun! Big Hugs & Kisses to everyone! Love you, Linda & Skip
Steve "Trouty" Rudzinski
December 21, 2014 at 10:08 amI met Joe Jude Valek when I moved to Russell Rd in 1960 and we attended St. Margaret Mary’s 8th grade and 4 years at Mc Closkey HIgh. After we both did our 4 years service after high school we lost touch but through Peter we found him again and I tried to get him the serious help he needed through the VA. It is sad he is not here at the same funeral home I last saw him when he came to my moms wake. I was always trying to get us together for dinner etc but he was dificult to reach or ever return messages. RIP Joe…Trouty.
David Elliott
December 21, 2014 at 3:48 pmWow…Joey. RIP!
I’m so sorry the hear this news. I lost touch long ago but have soooooo many great memories of the Russell Road hangout. Joey was always the really cool older brother of the Valek clan I spent so much time with. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Michele Cassidy Suriano
December 21, 2014 at 6:39 pmSo sorry for your loss. Needless to say, I have so many to make great memories of your big, funny, loving family and your ability to always throw another plate on the table and scooch over to welcome me as if a were a part of the family. I will never forget him.
Love to all of you,
George
Rick Whitehouse
December 22, 2014 at 10:55 amJoe we will miss your smile, I know we lost touch after our days at Albany Savings Bank but you always be my Buddy. RPI
Chris Van Patten
December 22, 2014 at 3:44 pmMy condolences to Joe’s family and friends. I had the great pleasure of knowing Joe as we both worked for a time at Tommy Polito’s. He was always a very friendly and happy guy and glad to see you. He was very affectionately referred to as “the Pope” by many, a nickname that he seemed to enjoy. Happy to have known you Joe, may you rest in peace.
Mike Gulli
December 23, 2014 at 9:30 amTo the Valek Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Joe. I worked with Joe when I started my career with the Golub Corporation many years ago. Joe was truly a mentor and just a great person that I had the pleasure of working with and knowing.
Mike Gulli & family
Blanche Branton
December 29, 2014 at 4:29 pmMy sister Terry was kind enough to forward me Joe’s Obit. I can’t begin to tell you how sad I am at his passing. This last time I saw him was at my Mom’s funeral and he was of such great comfort to me. I will cherish all the memories I shared with him of our childhood. I only wish I could of been more help to him…he was so troubled. My love to all of my cousin’s. I can only imagine how hard it will be for all of you…Rest in Peace Jude!
Anne M. Sofia-Bressette
January 2, 2015 at 11:14 amSo sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. May he rest in peace.
Terry Conway
February 21, 2015 at 12:20 pmMy favorite memory of Joe is when I was a little girl and whenever I saw him he would say “Come here BOOP! What you got for me ? ” I would give him a big kiss and he would say “ummm that was a strawberry one – got any chocholate? ” Which then of course I would give him another kiss! I will miss him.
Camille Sofia-Rafferty
April 13, 2015 at 10:30 pmValek Famly: Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear brother Joe. I have fond memories of Joe, his brother Gerry and their cousin Blanche Barney from years ago. May all your wonderful memories sustain you at this difficult time. God Bless You Joe. May you rest in peace.
Susan Sutphen-Vogt
October 2, 2018 at 12:52 pmAlmost 4 years later, Joe would say that figures. My prayers are with all the Valek family for the loss of a gentle, and truly funny guy. Who dared to care to much and never let go. I met Joe at Price Chopper and his family who made me feel so much part of his family. Thank you for the wonderful memories. This world is truly a little less bright because he isn’t here.