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Joseph Sacerdote Joseph F. Sacerdote (Joe Sas) was employed as a vice president for eSpeed. He was a graduate of St. John’s University, Class of 1977. Joe was a loving husband to Arlene and a caring father to Andrea and Alison. Joe’s life was devoted to his family. He was unsurpassed as a father. From the minute his teenage daughter was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, nothing else mattered to him but to fine a cure for her. He did more than humanly possible, continuing to investigate treatments until her death in April of this year. Joe was also very loving and supportive of his daughter, Andrea. He inspired and encouraged her to earn her black belt in karate. He was most proud of this and all her accomplishments. As a husband, Joe was the ultimate partner and best friend. Arlene and Joe never tired of being with one another. As a son to Frances, he was one in a million. No mother could be more proud. His sisters Jane, Mary and Kiki feel no words can describe the wonderful impact Joe had on their lives. Joe’s nephews and nieces enjoyed his countless family barbeques, swimming in his pool and laughing at his crazy jokes. Joe was extremely proud of the black belt he earned in karate. The karate school where he trained has honored Joe by retiring his locker with his uniform and black belt in it. Joe gave unconditionally to everyone and had an unforgettable smile.
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I had the pleasure of working next to Joe at eSpeed for 6 months. Joe was loved by everyone in the office and always had a great joke or story about Van Halen. He was always fun loving and positive at work even in his daughters most difficult times. For that I will always respect and admire him. He was a great man. We will all miss you Joe.
Sass,
I never got to tell you how much I cherished our friendship. I miss you with every ounce of my soul.
“The sage does not distinguish between himself and the world;
The needs of other people are as his own.
He is good to those who are good;
He is also good to those who are not good,
Thereby he is good.
He trusts those who are trustworthy;
He also trusts those who are not trustworthy,
Thereby he is trustworthy.
The sage lives in harmony with the world,
And his mind is the world’s mind.
So he nurtures the worlds of others
As a mother does her children.”
-Tao Te Ching
I have known Joe for a couple of years now. I remember the first day I met Joe was over the phone asking me about Punta Cana. From then I ended up working with Joe in eSpeed on a few projects. He always had a joke and I would always laugh at them. They were classic. He will be missed.
Mr Sas,
You were one of a kind my friend. The depth of your character was unsurpassed. Your smile, your laugh would lighten up my day. From the first day we met 2 years ago you were my friend. Great at your job, great for everyone’s morale and a pleasure to be with. We had great talks that were so deep. Talks that reassure me not only are you in heaven with Ali, but that you are happy and at peace with your life. You lived with love in your heart. A great husband, a great father, a great friend. A truly great man that will never be forgotten and always remembered fondly with a smile and a laugh.
God bless you my friend. I really miss you.
George
Joseph was to be honored on November 2, 2001 by the Frances Pope Memorial Foundation to show the love and respect to him for his dedication and love to his beloved daughter Alison during her illness. We lost Alison in April 2001. Josephs’ wife Arlene has graciously and courageously agreed to accept the award on February 8th. Every family deserves the gift of a man like Joseph as a father, husband, son, cousin, nephew, brother or friend. Joseph was a credit to his family and we will always miss him. Aunt Mary
I was introduced to Joe at a meeting about a project that I was pulled off of shortly after. I had no other business dealings with him but he always remembered who I was after that brief meeting and greeted me with a big smile when we passed in the hall. He is really missed at eSpeed.
JOE SAS, AN ALL-AROUND GOOD GUY. I MET JOE AROUND 15YRS AGO AT EURO BROKERS AND I REMEMBER IT AS IF IT WERE YESTERDAY. HIS SMARTS AND HUMOR ARE UNFORGETABLE AND HIS CARING AND KINDNESS WILL ALWAYS STAY IN OUR MEMORIES. MY BROTHER JIM DEBLASE LOVED JOE AND HIS FAMILY DEARLY. I’M PROUD THAT JOE SAS AND JIMBO ARE WATCHING OVER OUR FAMILIES AND SMILING DOWN ON US. ARLENE PLEASE KEEP ME IN MIND IF THERE IS ANYTHING I COULD DO TO HELP EASE THE PAIN,(THE PAIN YOU KNOW ALL TOO WELL), I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU AS QUICK AS JOE OR JIMMY WOULD BE. JOE AND JIMMY ARE IN A BETTER PLACE. LET’S NEVER FORGET WHAT THEY INSTILLED IN US ALL. GOD BLESS THEM AND GOD BLESS YOU ARLENE AND ANDREA. WITH PRAYERS AND LOVE, RICH DEBLASE
“…They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. The two men said to them, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but He has been raised.”
– The Gospel Of Luke
Even though none of us had the choice as to when we’d first appear on the Earth, and few will have the choice as to when we’ll move on, we do get so tied up with the concept of beginning and end. Yet as we know that life in the cosmos is so rare, our human existence must be more than a coincidence, guided by a Creator to whom we hope to return. In this continuum absent of time, we do not die, there is no end, we move through Earth and on to the eternity for which we have worked. Joe Sas did not end, he is still with us, begging us to get past our human grief so that we may understand the unfathomable joy that awaits those who live in Faith, telling us that it’s all true.
So listen now………very carefully…….oh so calmly………it’s Joe………….
I met Joe Sas in the early 80’s at a firm called Fundamental Brokers Inc (FBI). We were the first live screen repo desk and Joe designed the screen and was also a broker. He did both so well, so comfortable with himself, making everything seem so easy in a not-so-easy and sometimes hostile world. I remember those old days, calling his mom for trivial answers about celebrities where she worked. Joe, always dressing for the cold, almost wanting to look silly, just to make someone laugh. But he laughed at himself, so genuinely. We lost touch for a few years, then he reappeared at Kross and I instantly new what was missing when he walked through the door. He just said, “Hiya Les, what’s up?” and we just renewed our friendship. I never really said goodbye when I left The Street 2 years ago. I did not see him during the time of Alison’s illness, and I was hearbroken for his family and always prayed for all the Sacerdotes. But I know that one day I will see Joe again, and he’ll say, “Hiya Les, what’s up? “
I lost many things on Sept. 11. I lost a best friend, a brother-in law and most importantly memories shared by Joe and myself. I recall many instances where Joe and I related to the idiotic things in life. Joe once picked me up from the airport and I had just finished a tour with Van Halen in the early eighties. I handed him a bottle of Evian water which was a novelty at the time. He took a sip from the bottle and with that innocuous look he used so often he replied, “It tastes like water”. Many people knew and loved Joe. He is immortalized in David Lee Roth’s autobiography “Crazy from the Heat”.
I only hope when all grieving is over, which may take many years, that my sister Arlene and Andrea can resume the loving relationship we once had. Due to unmitigated circumstances I did not attend Joe’s memorial services and for this I am ashamed. My heart felt condolences go out to the Sacerdote family and all Joe’s closest friends.
Rest in peace Sas,
Eddie Anderson
From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free,
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever Gods may be
That no man lives forever
That dead men rise up never;
That even the weariest river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.
Synge
Rest in peace Brother,
Eddie Anderson
The expression, “To know him is to love him” was written for Joe Sacerdote. Joe had the unique ability to make the person he was with feel special. He was a genuinely kind & loving man. I have met many people in my life, but I can count on one hand those with the inherent goodness Joe had. I feel truly blessed to have been able to call him friend!
God Bless Arlene & Andrea. May Joe & Alison rest in eternal peace.
For all of those viewing my tribute to Joe, please know that I am a friend of Joe’s that grew up with him in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I have known Joe for a lifetime and although his life has begun again with our heavenly father, he will live on in my heart forever, as on my heart is where he left his footprints. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Arlene but please take comfort in knowing that Joe is now basking in the light of the Lord. Below I have written a dedication in the form of poetry. I will miss you my friend Sas but one day we shall meet again.
In my heart you shall always be
In my mind a sweet memory
My unsung hero my pal Joe
The love for you I will always know
The sound of your laughter still echoes in my mind
As you were truly one of a kind
Your existence in my life brought many a smile
Your caring ways traveled many a mile
A zest for life oh yes that was you
A dedicated husband and friend through and through
In my mind you live on and on
The spirit of you will never be gone
A tribute to you my dear dear friend
A new beginning not a tearful end
Welcome to your home in heaven above
You will always be remembered always be loved
Eleanor Sacco
(I will miss you my friend Sas)
A great man once said “There is never a better measure of what a person is than what he does when he’s absolutely free to choose.” What Joe chose to do most often was smile; and encourage others to do the same. I only knew him a short time, but I was always impressed by what an upbeat person he was. I feel lucky to have met him and sorry that I hadn’t met him sooner.
When I first met Joe Sas, through my “Son”, Charlie V., little did I know that our fathers were best buddies growing up in South Brooklyn. So….the bond was there and it grew. Sas so very much like my own brother Joe; witty, handsome, family oriented, truly a people person; hit it off with him also. I can say that Sas definitly left an enormous impression on me and my family; one that will enable us to think of him often with a big smile!! And that is exactly what Joe would have wanted! My love and prayers go out to Arlene and Andrea, who are truly heros, also enduring the passing of their beautiful Alison. Always in my mind,
Joanne Guerra Matthews
I first met Joe about 20 years ago when I worked with Arlene. We lost touch over the years, but I will always remember Joe as always having a smile on his face. He always cared about others and would go out of his way to help. My thoughts and prayers go out to Arlene and the family.
Joe Sas…was in one word “laughter”! He always “flirted” with the me and my girlfriend Sandra of the production support team. He could light up our cube with his smile! During the time when his daughter became ill, we always said a prayer with him…he was so appreciative of the prayers we had for his special child. When his daughter became an “angel”, we assured him that’s exactly what she was! On 9/10, I got to joke with him in the hallway with Sandra before leaving for the day. He always told Sandra “Felicia wants my love-child” (mind you, he told all the ladies that)…the funny thing was I had just found out that day I was going to be a mommy! Maybe Joe was a mind-reader (smile). I’ll always remember my friend “Joe” in his favorite blue cotton jacket (he only wore in work) and that smile. What comforts me about 9/11 is that I know his daughter was the “angel” that came and got him that morning to lead him safely to his new home. Miss you dearly… God’s continued blessings to his wife and family.
I first met Joe 2 years ago when he came down from the Repo desk to work on eSpeed. Besides work, one of the first things that we had in common was the Sopranos. Joe and I got a lot of laughs out of them. I would walk by Joe’s office a few times a day to see what he was doing and catch up on the Sopranos. Then I didn’t see Joe for a few weeks. When he returned, he told me about his daughter Allison and I knew from the onset he was committed to getting her better. Joe spent the better part of a year, on and off from work, caring for his daughter. Having a daughter of my own I wanted to help! I would call Joe every few days to see how things were going. Sometimes we just caught up on work, sometimes I helped him with his home computer, and sometimes I just listened. Joe was a good father and never gave up on his daughter. When he was at work he and I would go out of our way to have breakfast together. If one of us was traveling for business, we would call just to say hi and see what was going on. People talk a lot about heroes these days. Knowing Joe and how he cared for his family makes him a hero in my book. I miss my friend Joe!
Joe,
I will always remember you as great friend to me. I will always remember the good times we had going out to dinner and parties together. I will never forget your big smile from cheek to cheek.
May you rest in peace with your daughter.
You were like a brother to me and I will always love you like a brother.
Your friend forever,
David Capovilla
Joe and I were cousins and grew up in Brooklyn. Though I’ve lived away from New York for many years, the memories of Joe’s open and vibrant personality, and his love and commitment to family will always be with me. He made a difference for the good in this often troubled world.
Tony Mazzella, Seattle WA
When I saw Joe come into the Cafeteria I was always so happy to see him. It was wonderful just to know him. He was always teaching me something new, giving me words of wisdom or just telling a joke. He was such a beautiful person. I am truly sorry that his wife had such a rough year. I can only pray for you and your daughter. Joe will always be missed, hopefully we can all carry a little bit of him around.
Joe,
Although we didn’t get to see each oter as often as we liked it was if we saw each other every day when we did. You and Arlene had a special relationship with each other, as you did with your girls. You were always positive and upbeat even though your heart was broken. We will miss your laughter and your stories. I know that even though you are not here with us, you will touch each and every one of us in your own special way. Arlene and Andrea remeber we are just a phone call away, please don’t hesitate to call us for anything day or night.
With all our love
Kim and Charles
I knew Joe for many years at Euro-Brokers. He had an uncanny way of making you relax in a sometime stressful time. He was always laughing and made you laugh with him. There is no bad things to say about him. He was unselfish,warm and just a special friend. I will always think of him and send a prayer his way. Arlene I prayer for you and your daughter for the strength to forge ahead.
Joe I’m sure is watching over you both and his alison also. God bless,you have my e-mail if you need anything.
For the better part of the last two months I was at a loss for what to write. I didn’t want my words sounding repetitive to any other tribute.
Anybody reading these excerpts knows what you were all about.
I am forever indebted to you for where and who I am today. I truly respect you for your accomplishments in life and I hope that I follow in your footsteps, one should only be so lucky.
You had more influence on me than you can ever imagine.
Skies the limit for Arlene and Andrea.
Peace!
Love Charlie ‘Sas’
Hi Joe,
Tomorrow is six months you’re not here – and I am SO sad. Joe, I want to tell you how much you’ve inspired me all these years because I don’t know that I ever did. As a kid, you trusted me to baby-sit Andrea and Ali, and knowing how much they mean to you – I’m honored. As a neighbor, you and Arlene always supported me and are huge reasons for my happy childhood. As an adult, you showed me a level of determination in your fight for Ali that I had never seen before – ever. You moved mountains and I respect you so much. Your drive and spirit, your love and zeal – you were tremendous. How I wish I wasn’t pasting this message on a tribute page and how I wish I could e-mail this to you. (Though I have no doubt that if they ever get e-mail in heaven – you will be the first to have it.) Please know I will take you with me forever in my heart, Joe. Thank you for coming into my life. I am so fortunate to have known you. Love always, Erica.
SASS BEING IN THE SAME MARKET AS YOU I WAS ALWAYS PROUD TO TELL PEOPLE I MET I WAS YOUR COUSIN. EVERYTIME I DID REACTIONS WERE THE SAME, JOE IS A GREAT GUY, JOE IS GOOD PEOPLE. IT IS THE BEST TESTIMONY TO WHO YOU WERE THE IMPRESSION YOU LEFT ON EVERYONE YOU KNEW, ESPECIALLY ME.
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING I WILL MISS YOU
TOMMY COMB
It has been six months since you left us. And last night you came to me in a dream. I held you and cried. You told me that you are OK and assured me you are in a better place.
Save me a chair by your side for when my days here on earth are no more so we can drink beers, tell jokes and smoke cigars once again.
For months I have have been searching for the right words, there are none. You were (and still are)my idol, best friend, father and brother. There isn’t a moment of the day or night when I am not thinking about you or talking to you. I feel your spirit with me all the time, and I love that. I miss you so much that it hurts. Every party, every gathering makes me miss you even more, but then I look in the sky and I see you and Ali together, happy, smiling and it makes me smile. I also know that your with Daddy and I know how much he meant to you. For us, here, the pain and still the shock are unbearable, but for you my pal there is peace and happiness and Ali, and that should comfort us all. Your Andrea is also my Andrea and Arlene is forever my sister. I will ALWAYS take care of them, just the way you took care of us.
Your ki
Stacey and I continually still talk about you. Mikey still asks for you and always refers to “Joe Sas”. We all miss you severly.
In two weeks, we will be playing, once again, in the charity softball tournament where all proceeds go to “Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders”. You sponsored us last year and we wore Ali’s name on our shirts. This year I will be sponsoring the team and we will once again bear her name.
You never made it to the game last year, but I know you will be there with us this year.
Love Charlie!
We think of you everyday. Our prayers are with your family. God bless them.
This has been a time of unrelenting sorrow, losing Ali and, soon after, Joe. My Joe was so full of life and we were so close, sharing joys and heartaches. He was always there for me (for everyone). I still can’t believe I he’s gone. I miss him so much, but Joe left so many great memories and funny “Sas” stories that he’ll always be with me. Joe also gave me Arlene and Andrea to love and be close to, while he stays with Ali. This fills my heart. Joe fills my heart.
For the last 365 days I’ve been coming here trying to write something,trying to put into words my thoughts,my memories,my little tribute to you and each time I did I just couldn’t get myself to do it. So when I started out again tonight I reached the same place I have been so many nights before but this time the little “leave tribute” button didn’t work and I couldn’t get back to your name. Every other letter worked. It was as if you were here telling me “Thats ok,I understand”. I know it was you because that was the type of person you were,always trying to make people feel better. And you know,it worked. Typical Joe,I had to laugh.
Anyway your family and friends here summed up anything I had to say about you. You will always be in my heart.
Joe,
We worked together at Eurobrokers for about 5 years. I have many good memories of you. I will always remember, among other things, the night you invited the guys from the desk to your house to play cards or taking me to the David Lee Roth concert. You made some long days a little easier with your jokes and stories.
I still have the autographed Skyscraper CD with the unique message.
You are missed by many.
Peter
Dude. You always greeted me that way. Not just Dude but a long drawn out Duuude. Then you dropped into my guest chair and asked me how I was doing and what you could do for me – regardless of how you were or what you needed done for you.
Well, dude, I am good. And I think about you whenever I pick up my bass.
Hey Joe, I miss you. Thanks for believing in me.
SaS 12/28/2005
The yearly reunion is set for this evening. You will be missed. I will not attend. My heart is broken. Maybe sometime I will gain the courage to celebrate December 28th with our other friends.
But not likely… Heaven is far away until I see you and Allie again. Until then, I remain your devoted best friend, (or one of the many best friends). Peace and Happiness to you and Allie,
Arlene, Andrea and the Sacerdote Family I have come to know and love so well.
joe-
it has taken me a while to think of something to put on this page, though i look at it often. i just want to let you know you pop into my head at least once a day- and i like that. i constantly think of our lunch that we had in august 01, and the valuable thoughts you shared with me that day. you told me to take a long lunch – and i’m so glad that my desire to hang out came before my desire to work that day. those 5 hours with you live in my mind and heart forever.
thanks for all the good times. love you, ka
09.11.06
we will never forget.
i love you joe
5 years and it still seems like just yesterday.
love you forever and always.
9-11-07
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you. There isn’t a joke that is told that I want to call you and tell you just to here you say “That s**ks,I have one for you”. I run into people I haven’t seen in years and after the first hello’s the next thing they say is “how is that guy with all the jokes and funny stories and magic tricks”.They might not have remembered your name but they remembered you. You might have met them once, if only for a few minutes, but you left a lasting impression on them that they never forgot. That’s what made you special,one minute with Joe and you’ll never forget him. Many people have come and gone in my life but only a few have left a void in my heart that just cannot be filled. You my friend are one of them.
Yugo
Joey,
Not a day goes by that I do not wish things turned out so differently. You are missed! God Bless Arlene.
K. Sas
god bless you my man….