Joseph Anthony Gullo departed this world on February 9, 2026, in Port Orange, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 3, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, where his lifelong love of music, dancing, and staying strong first took root. He enjoyed going to dances and was an avid weightlifter, always believing in keeping both body and spirit active.

It was at a New Year's Eve dance that Joe met Lee, the love of his life. That evening marked the beginning of a remarkable 70-year journey together—one filled with love, laughter, devotion, and partnership—until Lee's passing in 2024.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in California and North Carolina, carrying with him the discipline, loyalty, and strength that defined his character throughout his life.

In 1966, Lee and Joe moved their family to upstate New York and settled in Saratoga County, where they created a loving home for 48 years. Joe worked in purchasing for many years at NL Industries and later joined Weaver Industries in a sales role. He especially enjoyed traveling with Lee during long sales calls, turning work trips into shared adventures. Together, Lee and Joe embraced a lifetime of travel, taking numerous trips and cruises with close friends. At any celebration, they were always the first to step onto the dance floor, moving with joy, style, and enthusiasm that perfectly reflected their love for life—and for each other.

During retirement, Joe continued to stay active and engaged. He volunteered at the Empire State Aeroscience Museum in Schenectady, New York, where he proudly put his welding and mechanical skills to work—skills he enjoyed sharing and using in service of preserving aviation history.

Joe and Lee raised two sons, Michael and Mark, and family remained the center of Joe's world. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, affectionately known to all as "Poppy." Though he once played tennis, Joe eventually caught the pickleball bug and never looked back. During his snowbird years in Myrtle Beach and Florida, he became a coach and mentor, sharing his love of the game with others. After settling in Port Orange, Florida, Joe made it his mission to start a pickleball group in his community. Years later, the community proudly boasts four dedicated courts, forever linked to his name "Pickleball Joe." Joe will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his service to his country, his passion for life, and the joy he brought wherever he went. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he built, and the many lives he touched.  Joe is survived by his two sons, Michael (Dianne) of Port Orange, FL, and Mark (Janice) of Wilmington, DE; four grandchildren, Billy (Olivia), Andrew (Jillian), Thomas (Danielle), and Leanne (Mikey); and four greatchildren, Stella, Damian, Ellie, and Sloane.  Burial will be private at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

A Mass of Christian Burial service to celebrate Joseph's life will be held at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church on Friday, February 20th at 8:30am allowing friends and family to come together to remember, honor, and cherish Joes life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.