It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Joel Harvey Girgenti on August 24, 2025.

Joel was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 22, 1942 and raised in Valley Stream. During high school he fell in love with Josephine, whom he affectionately called "Phiney".

He proudly served in the US Air Force from 1961-1965 and later joined the Army Reserves. After his military service, Joel continued his education, receiving his FAA mechanics license. He spent most of his career in aviation maintenance, working at various airline companies at JFK - New York. Joel eventually became the Director of Maintenance for Capital Airways. Shortly after the company closed, he and Josephine moved to Florida full time.

Joel had a magnetic personality and a contagious laugh that could fill a room. It was that loud, joyous laugh, and those sometimes raucous jokes, that made everyone who heard them smile instantly. He also liked to nickname everyone and everything. Joel thoroughly loved oldies music, reading, watching movies, smoking cigars, and always enjoyed cocktails. He also had an interest in history and politics as well as collecting guns and various types of coins, but his favorite pastime was crafting jewelry from nuts and bolts and fabricating custom pens from ammo casings. His passion for animals always brought an instant smile to his face, but Joel's greatest joy was receiving photos and videos of family from afar. He adored his family and always said "I love you" before saying goodbye. Joel's love, generosity, and sense of humor will forever remain in our hearts.

Joel is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Josephine Girgenti; his children, Beth, David and Brian; his grandchildren, Heather, Nicholas and Dylan; and his great-grandchildren, Jameson, Jordyn and Logan. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Robert;  daughters-in-law, Debbie and Tammi; and brothers, Steven, Michael and Scott.  Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Cranye Girgenti.

A private service will be held on October 04, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice or to the Halifax Humane Society in honor of Joel.

https://www.halifaxhumanesociety.org