Joseph Michael Vellano

On November 3rd, 2018, Joseph Michael Vellano passed away at home in Scotia, NY. Joe was born on August 23, 1948 to his parents Anthony and Antoinette Vellano. He was married to the love of his life, Susan Penny Bloom Vellano and the father of Adam, Emily (Lety), Michael (Lettie), and Ashley (Kristen) Vellano. He was a Grandfather to Abigail, Evan, Mia, Ruthie, Leo, and Lucia; and brother to Anthony Jr. (Holly) and Paul (Joney). Joe was also survived by his beloved Aunt Josephine Minard, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe was raised in the Bellevue section of Schenectady. He attended St. Joseph's Academy in Schenectady and Bishop Gibbons High School. After High School, Joe attended the Junior College of Albany. Joe then enlisted into the Army Reserve in Schenectady. Joe then entered into the Family Business: Vellano Brothers Inc of Latham, NY, and served as President until going on disability two years ago. Joe was a member of The American Water Works Association and sat on the rules committee for several years. He was also a member of the National Utility Contractor Association, and the Northeast Sub-Contractors Association and was very active in every group. Joe had a few passions in life, first and foremost his love to help others; he would see the good in some when others didn't, he would help them in some way to make their lives better, with too many instances to mention here. Joe found his wealth in helping his fellow man. Another passion was his love of Baseball. Joe was a baseball historian, a member of SABR (Society of American Baseball Researchers), and past president of its local chapter. He organized a College Baseball Tournament which was held at the Colonie Yankees in Latham, NY, and organized the housing of those players with guest homes in the Capital district. He also organized the Albany Senators and Schenectady Blue Jays reunion game held at the Colonie Yankees field in Latham, NY. He was the President of two St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Baseball teams which earned him a 1987 National League Championship ring. He organized a college age baseball team called the Scotia Sox, they played many games locally, as well as tournaments in Canada and Australia. He organized the Northeast Town Ball League, which was a Re-creation of original Baseball rules where teams played throughout the northeast including Cooperstown every Fourth of July. Joe was also a baseball scout for the Cleveland Indians. Joe also traveled to many places in the world. He held dual citizenship, being of Italian descent. Besides visiting Italy, Joe has visited England, Switzerland, Germany, China, India, Australia, Russia, Mexico, the Caribbean, and many places in his beloved USA. It wasn't uncommon for Joe to have dinner with friends he met abroad. Sometimes, Thanksgiving Dinner was like eating at the United Nations. Joe also was a musician. For decades he played his saxophone in bands, entertaining thousands throughout the years. The Four Speeds and the Pipe Kings were the most notable of his bands. While playing with the Four Speeds, he once opened up for The Kingsmen of 'Louie Louie' fame. With the Pipe Kings, he was instrumental in developing and sponsoring the "Concerts at the Crossings Summer Concerts Series" in Colonie, NY, which are enjoyed by thousands every summer. A memorial service in celebration of Joe's life will be held on Wednesday afternoon, November 7th, at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, NY at 4pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A visitation will follow the celebration until 7 pm. Interment in St. Anthony's Cemetery in Glenville. Contributions may be made in Joe's memory to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (www.myasthenia.org). Joe was an unselfish human being, and will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, Joe Vellano.