JOSEPH BLASE PADULO died peacefully at 85 years old on October 11, 2026, Predeceased by his parents William & Jennie Padulo and sister Linda; cousin Frank Andolino; aunts, Josephine (Frank) Andolino, Lucy Bruno, Angie Lipani, and Mary DiNoto; cousin, Andy Padulo. Joe is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Ann, daughter Joanne (Larry) Thomas, and son William (Ellen) Padulo; grandchildren, Jennie (Danielle D’Onofrio) Gilardoni, Hannah & Sarah Padulo; great-granddaughter Tessa; bonus grandchild Christopher (Leah) Thomas; great-grandchildren Aleigha (Nate) Fedick, Cyleigh, Piper & Greyson Thomas; and his new great-great-granddaughter Eloise; cousins Joan Padulo, Richard (MaryAnn) Padulo, and Julie Padulo, as well as their families; cousins, Joyce Martel, Victor Lipani, Diane Candelaria and their families; along with many other family and friends.

He is also survived by his very dear cousins that he grew up with, Chick (Dorothy) Bruno & Emily Andolino and their families; and his extended Long Island family, Charlie & Michele D’Onofrio and Gloria Rosato.

The family thanks his beloved caregivers Yvonne “Bonnie” Dagget, Karin Barrow, Cyleigh Thomas, and Di Russell, as well as Deena, Raina, & Deborah who all helped to keep him living safely in his home as long as possible. Special gratitude is given to the incredible and compassionate Dr Tyler Pocchiari and the wonderful staff on 3 East at FF Thompson Hospital for their exceptional care; and also to the amazing people at Light Hill Home hospice for accepting Joe into their family. He could not have been in a better place to help him through his final journey.

Joe was born on May 23, 1941 in Rochester and lived on Lyell Avenue in a 3-apartment house with dad Bill and mom Jennie and sister Linda. His mother’s sisters Josephine Andolino and Lucy Bruno, along with her brother Sam Mosca, resided in the other apartments with their families. Growing up, his dad Bill owned Jefferson Dairy and Joe would help him deliver milk. He attended St. Anthony’s grammar school, where he met his sweetheart Betty Angelone and they began dating in 7th grade. He attended Jefferson High School after a very brief time at Aquinas. In 1962, he and Betty were married. They had Joanne in 1963 and after moving to 274 McNaughton Street, their son Bill was born in 1967.

Joe excelled in sports, especially basketball and baseball. When he was older, he was even offered an invitation to attend training camp for the Philadelphia Phillies, but the letter arrived 2 weeks too late! He used his athletic abilities to later coach his son and others in CYO basketball and baseball leagues. He was a long- time parishioner at Most Precious Blood parish where he and Betty made some life-long friends and great memories.

A construction surveyor by trade at Sear Brown Associates, he left to become a co-owner of VH Lang Trophies in downtown Rochester where Betty was already employed. Joe was in charge of the backroom operations and kept things running in an efficient and orderly fashion. Once his granddaughter Jennie was born, they watched her at the store and it was the highlight of his day.

He loved his grandchildren and would proudly attend as many of their activities as he possibly could. He was often seen at Jennie’s theatre performances (even helping out with set construction sometimes!), Hannah’s basketball games, and Sarah’s basketball and softball games. Retired by the time Jennie’s daughter, Tessa, was born in 2014, he and Betty babysat her everyday. He also enjoyed attending Tessa’s theatre performances, too, and always made sure to have an extra large chocolate bar waiting for her after the show! He loved to brag about ALL of the girls and beam with pride while he did it.

Joe was loyal, reliable, and was the one to repeatedly remind you if you had an upcoming car inspection due, a license renewal pending, or should make sure to fill the gas tank in your car if a storm was brewing. He was known for being meticulous with the upkeep of his home and his cars. If you ever stopped over to his house, he most likely ran outside to wash and wax your car while you had coffee with Betty. He was a rule follower, which most likely was a trait later developed if you ever heard stories of how his mother would chase him down Lyell Avenue with a broom.

When he wasn’t mowing the lawn or washing cars, you could find Joe watching the NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills games. He was an avid fan of both and loved to re-cap the games and commiserate with anyone who was interested.

Joe will be so greatly missed by his family and friends, especially hearing his additional “to you” when we sing Happy Birthday!

Joe’s life will be celebrated during visitation on Thursday, October 15th from 4:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 16th at 10:30 am at Our Mother of Sorrows Church, 5000 Mt Read Blvd, Rochester. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Light Hill Home hospice, 5160 Parrish Street Ext., Canandaigua, NY 14424