Joseph Calabretta

Joseph was born on July 9, 1994 in Syracuse, New York and moved to Florida shortly after with his family who wanted to escape the cold winters.

Joseph attended Big Cypress Elementary, Oak Ridge Middle School, and then graduated from Gulf Coast High School in 2012. Joe loved playing basketball and had quite the reputation in High School for his 3 point shot. He explored college but realized that he wasn’t quite ready and returned home to be closer to the family again. Family was always important to Joe, he was a very simple young man, and it didn’t take much to make him happy. He loved sports & food and he also loved to make people laugh. He was definitely the comedian of the family. His compassion for people and his heart of gold will be truly missed.

He had recently gotten his first apartment and had a very good job working for Southern Comfort Pools. He was excited about the future and had a new puppy that he loved very much. Joe had a passion for animals and had a huge heart for dogs. He spent his free time visiting with pets to provide love.

Joseph is survived by his parents-Greg & Rita Calabretta, his siblings-Paul Calabretta, Peter Calabretta, Concetta Carocci, & Brian & Tina Raymond, his nieces & nephews-Nathan, Megan, Caterina, & Gianluca, his grandparents-Peter & Concetta, many aunts & uncles & cousins who are all devastated by this loss but have all come together to one another for support.

We will honor Joseph with a service on Sunday, September 15th at 2:00 PM at Hodges Funeral Home located at 525 111th Avenue North in Naples FL.

Walk With Us-Join us on September 16th from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM

The Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida is holding their annual National Overdose Prevention Education Candlelight Vigil with honored guest speaker, Amira Fox, State Attorney, 20th Circuit Florida. The Walk will start at 5:30 PM at Library Plaza located at 2400 First Street, Fort Myers FL and process to Centennial Park. If you walk on behalf of Joe, please wear Orange or Syracuse stuff if you have it.

Can’t walk? That’s ok too, please donate towards our cause. I have set up a Go Fund Me Account on behalf of my little brother:

https://www.gofundme.com/f29w8n-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help