Joseph A. Verlezza

Joseph Anthony Verlezza, 80, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, with his daughters by his side.

He was born on October 17, 1945, to Joseph and Josephine Verlezza in the Bronx, where he deservedly earned his lifelong nickname, “Butch”. Though predeceased by his sister Carmela and many devoted friends, Joseph’s legacy is lovingly carried on by his wife of 42 years and their daughters JoAnna and Brittany.

A gifted architect of over 40 years, Joseph’s dedication to his craft was trumped only by his devotion to his family. His children, biological or otherwise, no doubt benefited from his profound generosity, loyalty, intelligence, and sense of humor. He was a man of dualities: tough but kind, animated but stoic. He could keep pace with the most brilliant of minds, but he could also party with the wildest of them, clutching a glass of Johnny Walker Blue in one hand and a Romeo & Juliet cigar in the other.

A viewing to honor Joseph’s life will be held on April 10, 2026, between 5:00 and 9:00 at Tower’s Funeral Home, 2681 Long Beach Road, Oceanside NY 11572. Mass will be held the following morning, April 11, 2026, at 10:45, at St. Anthony's Church, 88 Anchor Ave, Oceanside, NY 11572. Family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing Joe are warmly invited to gather in celebration of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the legacy fund of Drum Corp International, an organization that Joseph was devoted to for much of his life, would be highly appreciated.