Joseph Marco DiLalla
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It is with great remorse we report the passing of Joseph DiLalla. Joe passed away at his home in Naples, Fla., on Tuesday morning, Oct. 18, 2016. He was 69.
Joe was born and raised in Greenport, Aug. 26, 1947, to Joseph and Bertha (Polywoda) DiLalla. He attended Eastern Military Academy, Mercy High School and graduated from Greenport High School in 1965. After graduation, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he honorably served his country. After being discharged from the Air Force, he returned home to help his family and ailing grandmother.
Joe began his professional career at New York Telephone, which would later become Verizon Communications. He was elected vice president of CWA (Communication Workers of America) 1108. In 2001, after a 36-year career in the field of communications, industrial relations and contract negotiations, Joe retired and moved to Naples, Fla. He moved to Verona Walk in Naples in the fall of 2004, eventually residing at 8493 Deimille Court, where he was well known and respected by members within his community.
Joe was an accomplished author, having published two books and several editorials. The sudden passing of Joe will leave a deep void in the lives of all who loved him and called him their friend. He was a man of integrity, compassion and conviction, and an advocate for workers and unions. He loved his country and was deeply concerned for the plight of his “fellow man.” Joe championed safety in the workplace and the right of every worker to be fairly compensated for their contribution in the workplace. He never said no to a request for help from a friend or neighbor and adamantly refused to take compensation in return.
Joe was a kind, generous soul who will be sorely missed and remembered by family and friends alike, for he was respected and admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing a distinctly honorable man.
Predeceased by his parents in 1960 and his brother, Mark, in 1996, he is survived by his children, Christian, of Southampton, Michael, of Manhattan and Jared and his wife, Amy, of Craryville, N.Y.; his sisters, Constance Jordan of Stuart, Fla., and Teresa Goldsmith and her husband, Bruce, of Southold; his longtime companion of 38 years, Joanne Roberts, and her son, Gary; his daughter-in-law, Sabrina, and granddaughter, Olivia; his beloved sisters-in-law, Carol Janisch and June and her husband, Ron Moore; as well as numerous nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated.
DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home assisted the family.
This is a paid notice.