Wednesday
13
December
Visitation
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Simple Choices, Inc.
218 2nd Avenue
Troy, New York, United States
518-435-8030
Wednesday
13
December
Memorial Service
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Simple Choices, Inc.
218 2nd Avenue
Troy, New York, United States
518-435-8030
Obituary of Joel Vincent Vasta
SELKIRK –
Mr. Joel “Joe” Vincent Vasta, 81, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
The son of the late Vincent James Vasta and Gertrude (Brooks) Vasta, Joel, known as Joe by family and friends, was born on July 16, 1942 in Babylon (Long Island) New York, the second of four children. As a young child, he spent six years at Saint Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York due to a significant heart condition. He miraculously healed and returned home to his family at the age of 12. Joe grew up in various locations on Long Island and received his education from Lindenhurst High School. Joe developed a love of music when he was a child and learned to play the guitar. He was part of a band in high school called The Ram Rods, played by ear (never having to read music) and continued to play throughout his life.
He met his beloved wife, Albina (Albie) Argento, in high school and they dated for a few years until they parted ways. Joel resided in West Islip, Long Island where he met and married his first wife and ran his own beauty salon business. Though the relationship was not permanent, they had two children together, Veronica and Joel. In 1979 he relocated to upstate New York where he and Albie reconnected. They married in 1981 and created a blended family with his children and Albie’s children, Joseph and Andrea. Joe was a Professional Barber at Patsy's (formerly Executive Cutter) in Albany, New York, in the heart of New York’s capital.
Joe wore many titles including husband, dad, brother, son, uncle and more recently, beloved Poppa. He loved cars, especially vintage cars, and was the proud owner of a 1979 Corvette. He loved the Yankees and the Giants and had a deep interest and respect for our Veterans, POWs and First Responders. For those that knew him, his most distinctive trait was his incredibly infectious laugh.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Albina Marie Vasta, whom he married on February 15, 1981 in Coxsackie, NY. His children and their spouses: Veronica Hernandez (Edward); Joseph Armstrong (Andrea); Andrea Taylor (Michael); and Joel Vasta (Jennifer). Grandchildren: John Daniel Bartlett, Nicole Hernandez, Jaxon Armstrong, Austin Hernandez, Jordan Taylor, Sydney Taylor, Ronin Vasta, Lily Vasta and Stella Armstrong. Also survived by 2 great grandchildren, one sister, Maria Vasta Pearson and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his sister Faith Grandstaff and his brother Joseph Steven Vasta.
Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with Joel’s family and may call from 4-6PM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 in the Chapel of Simple Choices, Inc., 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street) Troy, NY 12180. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 6PM at the conclusion of the visitation in the funeral home that same evening. All are welcomed.
In lieu of flowers, the Vasta Family wishes for donations to be made in Joe’s memory to: Camp Freedom (an organization to help veterans and first responders)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Vasta Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
The son of the late Vincent James Vasta and Gertrude (Brooks) Vasta, Joel, known as Joe by family and friends, was born on July 16, 1942 in Babylon (Long Island) New York, the second of four children. As a young child, he spent six years at Saint Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York due to a significant heart condition. He miraculously healed and returned home to his family at the age of 12. Joe grew up in various locations on Long Island and received his education from Lindenhurst High School. Joe developed a love of music when he was a child and learned to play the guitar. He was part of a band in high school called The Ram Rods, played by ear (never having to read music) and continued to play throughout his life.
He met his beloved wife, Albina (Albie) Argento, in high school and they dated for a few years until they parted ways. Joel resided in West Islip, Long Island where he met and married his first wife and ran his own beauty salon business. Though the relationship was not permanent, they had two children together, Veronica and Joel. In 1979 he relocated to upstate New York where he and Albie reconnected. They married in 1981 and created a blended family with his children and Albie’s children, Joseph and Andrea. Joe was a Professional Barber at Patsy's (formerly Executive Cutter) in Albany, New York, in the heart of New York’s capital.
Joe wore many titles including husband, dad, brother, son, uncle and more recently, beloved Poppa. He loved cars, especially vintage cars, and was the proud owner of a 1979 Corvette. He loved the Yankees and the Giants and had a deep interest and respect for our Veterans, POWs and First Responders. For those that knew him, his most distinctive trait was his incredibly infectious laugh.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Albina Marie Vasta, whom he married on February 15, 1981 in Coxsackie, NY. His children and their spouses: Veronica Hernandez (Edward); Joseph Armstrong (Andrea); Andrea Taylor (Michael); and Joel Vasta (Jennifer). Grandchildren: John Daniel Bartlett, Nicole Hernandez, Jaxon Armstrong, Austin Hernandez, Jordan Taylor, Sydney Taylor, Ronin Vasta, Lily Vasta and Stella Armstrong. Also survived by 2 great grandchildren, one sister, Maria Vasta Pearson and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his sister Faith Grandstaff and his brother Joseph Steven Vasta.
Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with Joel’s family and may call from 4-6PM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 in the Chapel of Simple Choices, Inc., 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street) Troy, NY 12180. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 6PM at the conclusion of the visitation in the funeral home that same evening. All are welcomed.
In lieu of flowers, the Vasta Family wishes for donations to be made in Joe’s memory to: Camp Freedom (an organization to help veterans and first responders)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Vasta Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
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