
Tribute Wall
Wednesday
28
May
Mass
12:00 pm
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Gate Of Heaven Cemetery
10 W. Stevens Avenue
Valhalla, New York, United States
Wednesday
28
May
Final Resting Place
12:00 pm
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Gate Of Heaven Cemetery
10 W. Stevens Avenue
Valhalla, New York, United States
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OBITUARY posted a condolence
Monday, June 30, 2025
OBITUARY
Joseph Gerard Hodel was born on October 26, 1958, in Woodside, Queens, NY. Joseph was the fifth of eleven children from Frank & Eileen Hodel. During his early years, he was a very athletic and played in the outfield for St. Sebastian’s Baseball Team. He was physically fit, ate right and was concerned about his health. He graduated from St. Sebastian’s Elementary School then attended Aviation High School eventually graduating from William Cullen Bryant High School in Astoria to focus on an advanced college related curriculum. After High School, he received his undergrad from LeMoyne College in Syracuse and his graduate degree from the University at Albany.
Joseph was very book smart and was often seen reading various articles surrounding numerous topics. He had an aptitude in the art of debating and would often express his wisdom on entertainment, sports and political subject matters. He very much enjoyed motion pictures and was frequently heard quoting lines from movies.
After college, he became a Financial Analyst and advanced to Vice President at Nomura Asset Management. Joseph has great ability to rate a stock based on all the company research he conducted. He did not make himself available each day until after the market closed so he could remain laser focused on his portfolio. Since leaving Nomura, Joseph was self employed as a Day Trader and built a stock portfolio.
He lived in Stuyvesant Town – Peter Cooper Village in Manhattan from the 1980’s until his untimely death. He would spend much of his down time in the Catskill Mountains where he would take hikes. He enjoyed sun bathing and once developed melanoma cancer - which he fully recovered from.
Joseph will be laid to rest in Gate of Heaven cemetery in Valhalla, NY amongst some of the NY Yankee legionary players and actor Jimmy Cagney.
Joseph is survived by 6 brothers, 4 sisters, 11 nieces, 6 nephews, 3 grand-nephews & 3 grand-nieces.
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K posted a condolence
Friday, June 20, 2025
For Joe,who would say,”Don’t Blow smoke.Facts,I just want the facts.
In the time of my confession,in the hours of my deepest need.When the pools of tears,beneath my feet,floods every newborn seed.There’s a dying voice within me,reaching out somewhere.Toiling in the danger,and the morals of despair.Don’t have the inclination to look back on any mistake.Like Cain,I now behold this chain of events that I must now break
In the fury of the moment,I can see the Masters hand,in every leaf that trembles,in every grain of sand.Oh,the flowers of indulgence and the weeds of yesteryear,Like criminals they choke the breath of conscience and good cheer.The sun Beats down upon the steps of time that light the way,to ease the pain of idleness and the memory’s of decay.I gaze into the doorway of temptations angry flame,and every time I pass that way,I always hear my name.Then onward in my journey,i come to understand,that every hair is numbered,like every grain of sand.I have gone from rags to riches in the sorrow of the night,in the violence of a summers dream,in the chill of a wintry night,in the bitter dance with loneliness fading into space,in the broken mirror of innocence on each forgotten face.I hear the ancient footsteps like the motion of the sea,sometimes I turn,there’s someone there,sometimes it’s only me.I am hanging in the balance of the reality of man.Like every sparrow falling,like every grain of sand.
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Nicole Castaldini posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, June 20, 2025
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In Loving Memory of Uncle Joseph Hodel
Uncle Joe was a man of deep thought, sharp humor and unmatched intelligence. Uncle Joe was 66 years old and his favorite route was Route 66. Uncle Joe leaves behind a story worth telling not rewritten, but remembered for what it truly was.
Uncle Joe worked on Wall Street, where his intellect and sharp instincts served him well. But despite the suits, the city skyline, and the pace of high finance, Uncle Joe stayed true to his roots. He carried with him a steady humility and a grounded sense of self that no job or title could shake. In a world that often loses itself in ambition, Uncle Joe never forgot where he came from (Woodside Ny) or who raised him, my grandparents Eileen and Frank Hodel.
He had a deep and enduring love for his parents, whose values shaped him more than any market ever could. That love was evident in the way he spoke about them, carried their lessons with him, and honored them deeply for all the days of his life.
Uncle Joe was the kind of man who quoted books and movies not to impress, but to connect with others. He had a knack for pulling the right line at the right time whether to make someone laugh, or to say something bigger than words could explain on their own.
His brother Kevin was one of the few who truly saw him, spending time with Joe in his beloved 55th street green chair, talking, reflecting, or simply sharing brotherhood. Together, they shared a bond built on trust, not performance, and on seeing the person behind the story others tried to edit.
Joe’s life wasn’t simple, and he wouldn’t have wanted it summarized in neat phrases. He was smart, flawed, loyal, and deeply loved. And he will be missed by those who valued the whole of who he was.
He is survived by his 10 brothers and sisters and and remembered always by those who knew the sound of his laugh, the wisdom in his quiet, and the honesty in his soul.
Rest in Peace Uncle Joe,
your niece Nicole Marie
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Mr. Kimble posted a condolence
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Weak and Wounded Sinner,Alone and left to die
Rise up your Arm,shout Aloud,for Love is passing by
Visits to Apt 10-H
Joe, you slipped away,when I was away,and leave us now to pray.
All you wanted was someone to listen,someone who was their when we were kids,someone who knew how difficult you were
I would think,what would MOM do,so I tried to walk in her shoes.It was difficult to even get to the 10th floor.It took determination.
The intercom system did not have access to your Apt,and the front door had a Bell that was not working for a Decade.I Knocked.
I had to be relentless,and it paid off.You opened your door 3 inches and said,Kevin.That was early on.I am now,so Glad that we had many subsequent visits.You had only one light,in the bathroom and got most of your light from the Empire State Building.
Johnny did go out and buy you a lamp.You had no Toilet Seat,so I came back with a new seat and installed it.You were Thrilled.
When I was 8 yrs old,I badly chipped my tooth.The dentist was closed.You told me to lie down on one of the four Basement Beds.You placed headphones on my ears and told me to shut my eyes.You put on the record player,and suddenly I hear the opening chords to “Stairway to Heaven”.I never heard anything like that before,as an avid fan or Rock N Roll,you were the one who introduced me too it.You taught me how to Box,as Jimmy taught you.You would say,that’s what older brothers are supposed to do,In your Apt,you had me sit on the Green chair.I asked you if you bought it at Sanford and Sons.It was from 55th street and made in 1985. You were taught by the Jesuits,and you lived like a Jesuit.We had many Long talks and laughs.You always clapped your hands while laughing.You once left your stove on for 14 hours.I was sure you would be getting evicted.Management Office knew you well.I would tell others,Joe is on Razors edge as far as getting evicted.I knew they were serving you letters of warnings.
I miss you,Joseph.I Love you, Joseph.We do not know what we have until it is gone.Now you’re gone.
Suddenly I am missing sitting in that Green chair.I miss our conversations in Apt 10-H.
You will always be in my Heart
It’s Alright Ma,I’m only bleeding.
W
William Hodel posted a condolence
Monday, June 9, 2025
TO WHOMEVER CONTINUES TO REMOVE THIS POST – KEEP IN MIND THIS IS FOR JOE & HE WOULDN’T APPRECIATE IT
JOSEPH HODEL EULOGY
CREATED & PRESENTED BY BILL HODEL
MAY 28, 2025
TODAY, WE HONOR, RESPECT AND REMEMBER A GOOD MAN. A MAN WHO’S UNEXPECTED DEPARTURE HAS LEFT A VOID IN OUR LIVES. WE ALSO HONOR ALL OF YOU WHO PLANNED FOR THIS CELEBRATION OF JOE’S LIFE AND MADE TODAY POSSIBLE.
PLEASE ALLOW ME TO GIVE SOME INSIGHT INTO JOE’S LIFE.
JOE LEFT US TOO SOON.
JOE WASN’T PERFECT - IN FACT - HE WAS FAR FROM IT.
BUT HE WAS REAL - HE WAS HONEST AND HE HAD GOOD INTELLECTUAL WIT.
HE WAS PATRIOTIC – HELD STRONG POLITICAL VIEWS AND HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR.
HE LIKED TO HAVE FUN AND ENJOYED HIKING IN THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS. HE LIKED TO PLAY CARDS AND EVEN PLACE A BET AT THE RACETRACK – HE LIKED TO READ THE CLASSICS INCLUDING WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE.
HE LIKED TO QUOTE LINES FROM CLASSIC MOVIES AND DO IMPERSONATIONS - HE WILL BE VERY PLEASED BEING LAID TO REST HERE AT GATE OF HEAVEN, NEXT TO JIMMY CAGNEY.
JOE HAD GREAT TALENTS AND WAS VERY EDUCATED WITH AN ADVANCED DEGREE - HE WAS A FINANCIAL ANALYST FOR A TOP RATED FIRM AND HAD A GREAT ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND A COMPANY’S FINANCIAL’S AND RECOMMEND WHETHER IT WAS A BUY OR NOT.
BUT JOE DIDN’T TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY.
HE WAS SINGLE - PREFERRED HIS PRIVACY AND DIDN’T WANT US TO WORRY ABOUT HIM EVEN THOUGH WE COULD SEE THAT HE WAS SUFFERING INSIDE. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT SUFFERRING GOT THE BEST OF HIM.
MANY YEARS AGO, HE WAS DIAGONOSED WITH MELOMANIA CANCER WHICH HE FULLY RECOVERED FROM.
AS HE WAS NEARING THE END, HIS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE WAS DECLINING AND HIS SURROUNDINGS WERE IN DISARRAY. THIS WAS NOT IN LINE WITH THE WAY IN WHICH HE LIVED HIS LIFE PREVIOUSLY. JOE WAS ALWAYS IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION – HE DRESSED WELL AND WOULD WORK OUT. HE WOULD OFTEN CHOOSE THE STAIRS INSTEAD OF THE ELEVATOR.
ANNE & I ATTEMPTED TO GET HIM PROFESSIONAL HELP OF WHICH HE WASN’T OPEN TO. AT ONE POINT, MARY TRIED AS WELL.
SO PLEASE, FOR JOE AND FOR ALL OF US - LET’S TAKE A MOMENT TO SHIFT OUR THOUGHTS TO HOW JOE’S FUNNY, JOKING, LAUGHING AND COMICAL TIMES MADE YOU FEEL. SO BRIEFLY - RELIVE IT - ENJOY IT - AND SMILE!
AS WE BID FAREWELL, LETS REMEMBER JOE BY LAUGHING WHEN WE CAN - HELPING WHEN WE SHOULD AND ALWAYS SHOWING UP FOR THE PEOPLE WE LOVE.
AND JOE, I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND FOUND THE CATSUP!
GOOD NIGHT DEAR BROTHER AND MAY YOU REST PEACEFULLY!
J
Juliette McNulty posted a condolence
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Uncle Joe,
Your struggles have ended. You’re at peace now.
Rest comfortably with nana and grandpa.
You will be forever loved and missed.
Your niece,
Juliette McNulty
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Michael Tupone posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Joe, you were a great friend, a loyal friend, and I will say, a very close friend. We shared many adventures together and fun times over the years, all of which are forever seared into my memory.
On one occasion, back in college days, campus security got "egged" by our crew of mischievous underclassmen. Trouble ensued. There was a meeting, a "trial," with The Dean. Joe said, "Let me do the talking!" Verdict- case dismissed!
That was Joe. If he wasn't a stock analyst, he would have made a terrific lawyer.
Many times, Joe and I went to his place upstate, to hang out and to attend a music festival. I'd pick him up at Stuytown. He often had quite a few items to bring, so our departure was delayed. Finally, we're on the road but still had to visit Walmart to get Joe's food supply, followed by a stop at Home Depot. Then on to the waterhole to get Joe's spring water. By the time we got to the festival, the show was half over! That was Joe.
In 1999, Joe and I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and camped by the Colorado River. On the day we hiked out it was very hot, and Joe became dehydrated. He was feeling faint, so we stopped and rested under a shaded rock formation. I gave Joe the rest of our food and more water. He recovered and we made our way to the rim. In the years that followed, when the subject came up, Joe would get very serious, saying, and insisting, that I "saved his life." I didn't really, but that's the kind of guy Joe was.
I will miss you, "Pal O' Mine" (Honeymooners). Of course, it goes without saying, Joe knew all the lines!
Rest In Peace My Friend.
Mike Tupone
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Jim Nussey posted a condolence
Monday, June 2, 2025
I met Joe through a mutual friend in the early nineties. We had similar interests and beliefs, so we hit it off right away. We made a good team: Joe being very outgoing and me being introverted. Fresh off getting divorced, it was a low point in my life and I had no self-confidence. But soon after hanging out with Joe, I got my confidence back. He had a way of making you feel relaxed and good about yourself. For example, I asked him what I should say to a girl. In typical Joe fashion, he said “How about ‘hello’?”. That cracked me up and made me feel at ease. I still got shot down (lol!) but it helped me get back on the horse, so to speak.
Becoming friends with Joe made my life much better in so many ways. In fact, the night I met my current wife of 25 years, good ol’ Joe was with me. It was his idea to go to Moran’s so, if not for Joe, I wouldn’t have met her. He wound up being my best man and my daughter’s godfather.
He was the best “wing man” ever. Also a very good friend who’d give you the shirt off his back. For example, one night after getting home from a long night out, I realized I left my tie at the bar we were at. (“Hogs & Hoefer’s”?). I didn’t feel like going back to get it but Joe walked the 20 blocks to this bar and back to get it. I never asked him to do that. He just took it upon himself to get it. That is the type of guy he was. Very unselfish and loyal. A true friend. He was very close with his parents who, obviously, did a great job of raising him!
Another of Joe’s unique traits was his legendary “frugality”. Although he was very generous to other people, his “frugality” was legendary among his friends. His birthday is the same as my daughter’s, October 26, and he always gave her really nice birthday presents. But I don’t think he ever spent a dime more than absolutely necessary on himself.
For instance, in order to save on his phone bill, he got something called “Magic Jack” that would let him access the internet and also get phone calls. But not simultaneously. I once drove to “The Trailer” to drive him home for Thanksgiving but I got lost since it was really dark and there are no streetlights or even street signs up there. So, I’m calling and calling him with no answer. I finally get there about 2 hours late, and he tells me “Oh yeah. I was on the Web using Magic Jack”. RUKM?! At this point, I’m both furious and laughing at the same time. But I said to myself, look at who I’m dealing with!
Joe had a great sense of humor, could impersonate old actors like Sidney Greenstreet to a T, and had a fantastic memory. He could quote scenes from The Maltese Falcon to Kelly’s Heroes or historical facts like nobody I’ve ever known.
He was truly an unforgettable “character” who also had a lot of character. I will miss him greatly. The brother I never had.
Rest in Peace, Joe.
Sincerely,
James Nussey
M
Mary McNulty posted a condolence
Friday, May 30, 2025
My dearly beloved Joe,
Even after days of knowing, I can hardly accept your untimely death. Thoughts and memories flood my mind with you as the main character. You made me laugh with your keen and sharp sense of humor and many impersonations. You made me cry as I knew of your pain and suffering. If I could have wiped away your tears, I would have.
While your earthly life has ended, your spiritual journey has just begun. May it be peaceful and serene.
Rest in eternal peace dear brother.
Your loving sister,
Mary
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Toni Short uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
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Hi ❤️
Sharing my poem here
Toni xx
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Gloria Wilson posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Cousin Gloria Rice
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Tom Rice posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
May the good Lord bless his soul and shepherd him and his entire family though this.
Cousin Tom Rice
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Jerry OShea posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
May Joe rest in peace, I will light a candle for you at immaculate conception. I will miss you.
Your friend, Jerry O’Shea
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Toni Short posted a condolence
Monday, May 26, 2025
Dearest Joe,
Sometimes family is chosen as much as it comes through blood.
You and I shared 14 years as neighbors and I’ll never forget how you looked out for me, made me laugh, taught me about music and film and lived with your whole heart.
I’ll treasure our exchanges (especially during COVID) and I feel so grateful you shared your love of family and the memories you cherish with me. Thanks for your trust and your spirit.
See you in by the water for sunrise…
Live you dude
Big time
Toni xx.
B
Bob(by) Seymour posted a condolence
Monday, May 26, 2025
I grew up with Joe & his family on 55th Street in Woodside.
We lived down on the corner on the same side of the Street. First, they were 2 houses up, on the other side of the Sendleback's/Papa&Mama Berry, then Sanders. They moved 1 house (2 lots):up the street.
We played ball together, and grew up together. We were in SSS together, and really the smartest kids in the grade were probably me, John Mensching, Eileen Quinn, and Joe.
I remember, too, one day in the 8th grade, when Fr. Currin came to quiz us on Baltimore Catechism, Joe got something wrong, and Fr. Currin sent him to write his name on the board for Sister to punish later. Joe went back, and made signing motions, but wrote nothing. It worked!
He was smarter than he let you on.
We will miss him, and have fond memories of the family.
S
Sharon posted a condolence
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Joe is now reunited with his loving parents. May his journey be peaceful as he rests in the arms of the angels.
J
Jeremy Pinsly posted a condolence
Sunday, May 25, 2025
I lived next to Joe in NYC from 2010-2014. He was like our Kramer from Seinfeld who would pop in unannounced and share all his wit, wisdom and humor. My roommate, David and I, loved Joe and he made my intro to New York extra special. So sad to hear of his passing. The good news is, maybe someone will now clean up his apartment. Love you, Joe
K
Kim Bachmann posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, May 24, 2025
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Uncle Joe, I have many great memories with you, my dad and Steph at the trailer having BBQs and roasting marshmallows and playing tennis. I always felt special that I was your god daughter. Rest in peace Uncle Joe ❤️
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Diana Castaldini posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Uncle Joe, I will remember you as the educated, well-read, complex man you were. You beat cancer with quiet strength and determination, showing up to work every day throughout your treatment, which my mom always admired.
You had a thoughtful, reflective side that you shared with few—you sent my mom and others the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling when they needed encouragement. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about your values.
As a kid, I knew you in simpler ways—through playful moments when you’d roughhouse with us and we’d laugh. It’s a small memory but one that sticks.
I hope you’ve found the peace that you deserved to have in this life. Love, Diana
J
Julia Hodel posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Dear Uncle Joe,
Thank you for always showing up to my big life events. You will always be remembered, Rest Easy. ❤️
K
Katie Petekiewicz posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Uncle Joe, I’ll always remember skiing with you and tubing in the Catskills. Thanks for introducing me to the outdoors and for the pep talk before college. I’ll think of you every time I turn on Seinfeld and remember your wit. Rest in peace. Love your niece, Katie
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William Hodel posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Joe, wherever you are, we hope you found peace and know that you will always be in our hearts. Billy
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Stephanie Petekiewicz posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Uncle Joe,
Thank you for some of my best childhood memories. From the weekends spent camping at your trailer, your work BBQ parties, to being chased after by your endless nogies, I will carry those memories with me through life. You were loved, cared about, and will be forever missed ❤️
W
William Hodel posted a condolence
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Joe - whenever you are I hope you found peace and know that you will always be in our hearts. Billy
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Eileen Castaldini lit a candle
Thursday, May 22, 2025
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Eileen Castaldini posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, May 22, 2025
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A Lesson from my brother, Joe!
My brother Joe was versed in the classics. He loved this poem and shared it with me many times. I was moved by the poem’s message to always practice self-control, integrity and humility.
“If” by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
May you rest in God's eternal peace and may perpetual light shine upon you, dear Brother. Your loving sister, Eileen xo
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The family of Joseph G. Hodel uploaded a photo
Thursday, May 22, 2025
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Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, Inc.
43-07 Queens Boulevard Sunnyside, NY 11104
T-718-784-1525 F-718-786-4753