Joseph Gagliardo (GaGe)
Funeral Mass - Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Cary, North Carolina
Joseph Gagliardo (GaGe)
I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live."John 11:25
Obituary
Joseph Gagliardo (Ga-Ge), born June 17, 1947, in the Bronx, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at the age of 79.
Ga-Ge’s early years unfolded in the vibrant Bronx of the mid-century, when neighborhoods were extended family and every corner had its own cast of characters. He was among them—spirited, curious, and full of humor that drew people in. It was here, amidst the energy of the city, that he earned his enduring moniker, "Ga-Ge." Ga-Ge’s warmth was matched only by his classic Bronx wit, which never failed to lighten the room and create lasting connections.
He was a proud member of the Melfords, a lifelong crew of friends who not only shaped his youth but continued to share stories and laughter together for more than seventy years. More than just the memories, Ga-Ge treasured the deep, lifelong companionship he shared with those friends, retelling each story with the vivid detail and humor that made even ordinary days sound legendary.
A hairdresser by trade, Ga-Ge brought his signature energy and charm to every client, turning routine appointments into occasions of connection and light-hearted banter. Later in life, he found joy in meeting new faces as a town car driver, collecting stories from the wide variety of passengers who became part of his ongoing narrative.
Retirement in Florida brought him a slower pace, contentment by the pool, and a chance to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Still, the spirit of the Bronx remained with him—visible in every story, every smile, and every act of generosity.
Ga-Ge’s heart was always with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Maria (née Fucci); his son Vincent Gagliardo; his daughter Lea Gagliardo-Agdeppa and her husband Eric Agdeppa; his brother Sebastian Gagliardo; and his cherished furry-grandson, Blaze Agdeppa, who brought him endless companionship and joy. He also leaves behind countless extended family members and friends whose lives he touched with his genuine warmth. His devotion to his loved ones was quiet but steadfast, expressed in shared meals, laughter, and his unwavering presence.
Ga-Ge is preceded in death by his parents, Vincenza (née Buono) and Sebastian Gagliardo, and siblings Gennaro, Louise and Frank Gagliardo.
Those who knew Ga-Ge will remember his boundless generosity, his remarkable ability to forgive, and the unmistakable sound of his laughter. His was a life defined by presence, humor, and love that never hesitated.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy of warmth remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
In Lieu of Flowers
The family requests that memorial donations be made in Joseph’s name to Delmar Farm, an animal sanctuary personal to his daughter, Lea. The mission at Delmar Farm beautifully reflects Joseph's love for animals and his compassionate spirit. Delmar Farm not only provides a lifelong, safe haven for senior and special-needs rescues, but they also use the sanctuary to offer emotional therapy and mentorship programs for children and teens. Supporting their dual mission of healing animals and empowering people is a beautiful way to honor his extraordinarily big heart.
Donations can be made online at https://delmarfarm.org/donate
After donating online, please email Claudia Campbell at delmarfarm@bellsouth.net to let her know your gift is in memory of Joseph Gagliardo so the family may be notified.
A Son's Love: A Tribute To My Father
By Vincent Gagliardo
I never thought I’d talk about you in the past tense. As silly as it sounds, I thought you’d live forever. Even at your sickest, I never had a doubt. You had a physical strength and resiliency I’ve never seen in anyone else. It seemed like you could recover from anything. Even knee and shoulder replacements couldn’t slow you down. No matter what was thrown at your body, your body’s response was: hold my beer. It was like you were Wolverine and could self-heal.
I never thought I’d talk about you in the past tense. As silly as it sounds, I thought you’d live forever. Even at your sickest, I never had a doubt. You had a physical strength and resiliency I’ve never seen in anyone else. It seemed like you could recover from anything. Even knee and shoulder replacements couldn’t slow you down. No matter what was thrown at your body, your body’s response was: hold my beer. It was like you were Wolverine and could self-heal.
Not to get all Lou Gehrig, but I do feel truly lucky that I was able to be with you so closely for the last month-plus of your life. I got a closeup view of everything I loved and admired about you. The fortitude, the stoicism, the hard Bronx edge that allowed you to answer “fine” to every inquiry about your well-being even when things were far from fine.
You were, more than anything, a storyteller. A great storyteller. And let’s be honest, a repetitive storyteller. But I love those stories and I’m glad I heard them so many times I can repeat them myself. In fact, some of my best memories are your memories. Memories repeated to me so many times I can visualize them in my mind like I was there.
I will keep these memories of your good (and bad) times and store them beside all my own memories of you. I think I’ll treasure most the sound of your boisterous laugh as you laughed at one of my jokes. And the open, honest conversations we had where you treated me as a best friend as much as a son.
I hope you knew how much you were loved. You always went out of your way to help people - if you knew them or not. It’s reflected in the way people talk about you now. You only had friends in this world. And you made a new one every time you met someone.
I hope comforting you in the end made a dent in the disparity of who did more for whom here. I will miss cooking for you. I will miss your stories and your laugh. I will miss our drives. I will miss your face.
I. Will. Miss. You.
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July 10, 2026
8
Dad, in my entire life, I never once doubted that I was loved. I pray that God blesses me with the very best parts of you: your unconditional love, your loyalty, and your profound ability to forgive. God chose you to be my father, but I was blessed beyond measure to have you as my friend. My heart is broken, but it is so full of you. I love you Dad and Iwill carry you with me every single day. May the peace of Christ be with you and may the angels lead you into paradise.
July 25, 2026
Joe was my little brother and my best friend. In our early years, we were inseparable, often mistaken for twins, even though we were a year apart. As life unfolded, we went our separate ways, but we always remained close. Whenever we could, we spent time together—sharing dinners, talking for hours, laughing, and recounting old stories. Many of those stories were told again and again, each time with a slightly different version or a forgotten detail. It was a unique bond that only we shared.
As I read the many tributes here, they capture exactly who Joe was: gracious, kind, thoughtful, caring, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. He accepted life as it came. He experienced its disappointments and heartaches, yet met them with acceptance, forgiveness, and the grace to move forward. These are rare gifts and are saintly qualities. Joe had a good heart, which I admired.
I cherished every conversation and every moment we spent together. Every visit, every encounter, and every phone call ended the same way. Before we parted, Joe would pause and say, “You know I love you.” I would tell him the same, and we'd go our separate ways. I miss those moments deeply, and knowing I will never hear those words from him again weighs heavily on my heart.
The only words I have found that bring some measure of comfort are these:
“Those who are gone live on in the lives they leave behind. For those whom they have blessed, they live life again.”
I am profoundly blessed to have had Joe as my brother and my best friend. He enriched my life, just as he enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.
Rest in peace, Joe. You know I love you.
As I read the many tributes here, they capture exactly who Joe was: gracious, kind, thoughtful, caring, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. He accepted life as it came. He experienced its disappointments and heartaches, yet met them with acceptance, forgiveness, and the grace to move forward. These are rare gifts and are saintly qualities. Joe had a good heart, which I admired.
I cherished every conversation and every moment we spent together. Every visit, every encounter, and every phone call ended the same way. Before we parted, Joe would pause and say, “You know I love you.” I would tell him the same, and we'd go our separate ways. I miss those moments deeply, and knowing I will never hear those words from him again weighs heavily on my heart.
The only words I have found that bring some measure of comfort are these:
“Those who are gone live on in the lives they leave behind. For those whom they have blessed, they live life again.”
I am profoundly blessed to have had Joe as my brother and my best friend. He enriched my life, just as he enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.
Rest in peace, Joe. You know I love you.
July 22, 2026
I only had the pleasure of meeting Joseph a few times but the fond memories I have of him are his presence, his love for Lea and his family , his contentment for life, the stories he shared, his love for Blaze, the family dog and most of all his big heart and bright smile.
My condolences to the family and Many blessings moving forward. May your fond memories of him bring you many smiles and feelings of joy into your hearts.
Arlene Penn
My condolences to the family and Many blessings moving forward. May your fond memories of him bring you many smiles and feelings of joy into your hearts.
Arlene Penn
July 20, 2026
1
My brother in law GaGe. I knew him for 60 years. He was the brother I never had.
GaGe was a very kind and loving human being. I am more than grateful to have spent most of my life knowing him.
I will miss you GaGe.Rest in peace. I love you!
JoAnn
GaGe was a very kind and loving human being. I am more than grateful to have spent most of my life knowing him.
I will miss you GaGe.Rest in peace. I love you!
JoAnn
July 14, 2026
Dear Gagliardo Family,
My sister Donna and I are deeply saddened in learning of Mr. Gagliardo's passing. Our growing friendship with Lea and Eric
has felt like we knew her dad.
We met this beautiful couple approximately 6 months ago, in our Parish of Saint Michael Catholic Church in Cary, NC. Lea shared her father's illness with us and asked for prayer. Ever since, we have prayed for Joseph Gagliardo's peace, his wife Maria, Lea, Eric and Vincent.
Through Lea we have learned what a kind, caring and fun loving man he was. It is obvious he loved his family very much, and all of you loved him.
We have read numerous condolences. Looking at the pictures has given us so much joy.
We grew up in the NY suburbs and visited relatives and friends in the Bronx. There is nothing like the Bronx and it's people. Mr. Gagliardo seemed like "quite a guy"..
We will continue and encourage Lea to talk and remember her Dad. That is the best healing. We will listen..
GOD bless you all,
Mary Monica Odell Foreman and Donna Ellen Odell
My sister Donna and I are deeply saddened in learning of Mr. Gagliardo's passing. Our growing friendship with Lea and Eric
has felt like we knew her dad.
We met this beautiful couple approximately 6 months ago, in our Parish of Saint Michael Catholic Church in Cary, NC. Lea shared her father's illness with us and asked for prayer. Ever since, we have prayed for Joseph Gagliardo's peace, his wife Maria, Lea, Eric and Vincent.
Through Lea we have learned what a kind, caring and fun loving man he was. It is obvious he loved his family very much, and all of you loved him.
We have read numerous condolences. Looking at the pictures has given us so much joy.
We grew up in the NY suburbs and visited relatives and friends in the Bronx. There is nothing like the Bronx and it's people. Mr. Gagliardo seemed like "quite a guy"..
We will continue and encourage Lea to talk and remember her Dad. That is the best healing. We will listen..
GOD bless you all,
Mary Monica Odell Foreman and Donna Ellen Odell
July 14, 2026
My Uncle Ga-ge,
Where to begin…..
Well he was in my life since I was an infant. He was around as much as father. In GaGe’s words …
”This here”… Is the hardest thing I’ve probably had to write about in years.
Growing up he was always around us girls. I took to him especially because we had that bond of living to be hairdressers. He would teach me how to cut hair, And I always learned so much from him. He was such a great hairdresser.
When I finally had the honors to start cutting his hair, Let’s be honest ..I was so nervous, But he always loved my haircuts. He would wait until he came to Miami just to let me do his haircut! What an honor!
Maria and Gage would visit me and Mom atleast 2x a year in Miami. We always had a great time. We cooked aka He cooked LOL.
We would give each other haircuts and just always have a great time.
He was a special man. Anyone who came into his presence fell in love with him instantly. He was hysterical and would tell stories (Usually the same ones over and over). But I never minded as they were all great memories.
I will never forget our time we spent together and always treasure it. He was an amazing man.
My Aunt Maria found a gem in Da Bronx.
Hard core Yankee fan,
This world will be missing you Uncle Gage. Your presence will forever be missed.
We all love you.
Heaven got a good one!
RIP
Love you
Stefanie
Where to begin…..
Well he was in my life since I was an infant. He was around as much as father. In GaGe’s words …
”This here”… Is the hardest thing I’ve probably had to write about in years.
Growing up he was always around us girls. I took to him especially because we had that bond of living to be hairdressers. He would teach me how to cut hair, And I always learned so much from him. He was such a great hairdresser.
When I finally had the honors to start cutting his hair, Let’s be honest ..I was so nervous, But he always loved my haircuts. He would wait until he came to Miami just to let me do his haircut! What an honor!
Maria and Gage would visit me and Mom atleast 2x a year in Miami. We always had a great time. We cooked aka He cooked LOL.
We would give each other haircuts and just always have a great time.
He was a special man. Anyone who came into his presence fell in love with him instantly. He was hysterical and would tell stories (Usually the same ones over and over). But I never minded as they were all great memories.
I will never forget our time we spent together and always treasure it. He was an amazing man.
My Aunt Maria found a gem in Da Bronx.
Hard core Yankee fan,
This world will be missing you Uncle Gage. Your presence will forever be missed.
We all love you.
Heaven got a good one!
RIP
Love you
Stefanie
July 13, 2026
Ga-ge was one of the kindest and caring man anyone could be blessed with as a friend. The laughter, the stories not to mention some of the best haircuts I’ve ever had in my life. He will be missed by so many because of his kind soul, my condolences to his family. He will leave such a void in many people’s lives. Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will never forget you.
July 12, 2026
1
Extending our deepest sadness and condolences to Maria, Vincent, Lea, Eric & the Gagliardo Family.
Joseph who was kind, loving & sincere in all he did will be dearly missed by his family & close friends.
With the Loving intercession of Our Blessed Virgin Mary, we pray for the GRACE OF HOPE that Joseph's soul and his RESONANT FIAT/ YES, be Perpetually Welcomed with open Arms by OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ! AMEN 🙏🙏🙏
Eternal rest grant unto Joseph's soul, O. Lord, and let the Perpetual Light shine upon him!
AMEN! ALLELUIA 🙏🌹🙏🌹🙏🌹
Lovingly,
Maria Ninfa Agdeppa & Family ❤️❤️❤️
Joseph who was kind, loving & sincere in all he did will be dearly missed by his family & close friends.
With the Loving intercession of Our Blessed Virgin Mary, we pray for the GRACE OF HOPE that Joseph's soul and his RESONANT FIAT/ YES, be Perpetually Welcomed with open Arms by OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ! AMEN 🙏🙏🙏
Eternal rest grant unto Joseph's soul, O. Lord, and let the Perpetual Light shine upon him!
AMEN! ALLELUIA 🙏🌹🙏🌹🙏🌹
Lovingly,
Maria Ninfa Agdeppa & Family ❤️❤️❤️
July 12, 2026
Grateful and honored to be the recipient of donations for Delmar Farm sanctuary as this has touched me deeply reading about this incredible person.
July 12, 2026
1
Joseph, thank you for welcoming me into the family years ago and for always meeting me with such an open heart. Your generosity and genuine nature made knowing you feel easy and natural as though I had known you much longer than I had.
As everyone shares their memories, it is clearer than ever how deeply you cared about the well-being, lives, and experiences of others. You formed deep, meaningful connections with me and with so many people whose stories are now being shared here.
Those memories are a gift of love returned to you, reflecting the love and kindness you gave so freely to all of us.
I will miss you. God Bless, Joseph.
As everyone shares their memories, it is clearer than ever how deeply you cared about the well-being, lives, and experiences of others. You formed deep, meaningful connections with me and with so many people whose stories are now being shared here.
Those memories are a gift of love returned to you, reflecting the love and kindness you gave so freely to all of us.
I will miss you. God Bless, Joseph.
July 11, 2026
Gage was the nicest person we have had the pleasure of knowing. He was kind, caring, helpful and an awesome human being. He help us when Robert was hospitalized and make sure that I could visit my husband. Along with Maria, we had breakfast together a couple of times and we loved going out to eat with them. Gage was the most caring person we have had the pleasure of knowing. We love to go out to eat with them. Occasionally, we met at the pool and talk for a while. He did everything he could to help others. His demeanor and his kindness were his biggest asset. He is gone but will never be forgotten.
May you rest in peace and May we meet again some day.
Thank you for your kindness, your friendship and your dedication to others. May He raised you up on Eagle winds Our Dear friend.
May you rest in peace and May we meet again some day.
Thank you for your kindness, your friendship and your dedication to others. May He raised you up on Eagle winds Our Dear friend.
July 11, 2026
2
Joseph was the kindest, most courteous, gregarious soul we have encountered in our lives. He took care of us both for years as the safest and most capable driver in Bronx and New York City. He was the most wonderful storyteller who regaled us with tales of his youth and his life. They were always told with good humor and optimism. He loved his family deeply and would share with us how much they all meant to him as we rode with him throughout the city. He will be missed sorely. We pass on our condolences to all his family and friends and we will be certain to pray for the soul of Joseph and all his family members.
We will always remember Joseph and the model of character and integrity that he manifested for all of us: Personal qualities that will remain important to us both as well as our daughter, Elsa, who he took care of occasionally as though she were a member of his family.
With immense gratitude and respect,
Dominic, Kris and Elsa Randolph
We will always remember Joseph and the model of character and integrity that he manifested for all of us: Personal qualities that will remain important to us both as well as our daughter, Elsa, who he took care of occasionally as though she were a member of his family.
With immense gratitude and respect,
Dominic, Kris and Elsa Randolph
July 11, 2026
1
We worked together in Nardi salon and for many years in headquarters he was abi brother a gentle giant with a big heart we had many laughs together it’s with a heavy heart I say goodbye to a beautiful man
July 11, 2026
1
he was always happy and a joy to be around. i never heard anyone say a bad thing about ga-ge. rest in peace brother.
July 10, 2026
1
There aren’t words to describe the friendship that Ga Ge and Vinny had. They called each other, not only everyday, but 3 to 4 times a day. They had a friendship that surpassed time, sickness, and all that the world threw at them. Ga Ge was also my friend. We grew up together and I cannot remember a single negative thing about him. I love him even more because when Vinny was struggling physically and emotionally, Ga Ge was there for him and me. He would make the trip to Bradenton to give him a haircut and shave at least every other month. He came to celebrate Vinny’s birthday on June 5th, 2021. Vinny was so excited to see him. Ga Ge made his birthday very special and it was the last birthday that Vinny celebrated before he passed on July 28th, 2021.. Ga Ge always stayed in touch with me and we would talk and reminisce about growing up together and the wonderful memories we made in Aruba. I will never forget the phone call from Ga Ge telling me about the cancer, he cried because he needed his best friend for support. He said that he could handle the situation if Vinny was still alive. He told me that he put Vinny’s Vietnam jacket on his favorite chair, so that when he sat in it, he felt that Vinny was hugging him. When I lost everything Ga Ge was there for me and I will never forget that. I hope that the two best friends are hanging out and telling stories about their experiences together and laughing. Ga Ge will always be in my heart and my thoughts. You only get to meet someone like Ga Ge once in a lifetime if you’re lucky. Stay at peace my friend and tell my husband how much I miss him and love him.
July 10, 2026
3
Though I never knew Joe personally, I mourn for this loss, and the heartache it must bring, as I am a life long friend of his brother, Seb, for many, many years.
July 10, 2026
I remember GA-GE from Morris Avenue and allsofrm Allenton Avenue when he used to cut my hair, R.I.P. BUDDY.🙏🏻🌹
July 10, 2026
We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I can remember he & his wife walking through the Park every day in the am before it got too hot. Always very friendly, laughing, smiling & saying hello to everyone they see. God Bless your family at their time of need.
July 10, 2026
2
So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with him and his family. Gage was a great person and will surely be missed. I’m a friend of his brother, Sebastian, who grew up in the south Bronx with them.
July 10, 2026
Ga-Ge, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten. We will always cherish the wonderful times we shared, especially our meals together filled with laughter, friendship, and great conversations. Those memories will remain in our hearts forever.
Rest peacefully, dear friend. Our prayers are with Maria and your family, and we pray they find comfort in the love that surrounds them and in the beautiful memories you leave behind. Until we meet again. ❤️🕊️
Rest peacefully, dear friend. Our prayers are with Maria and your family, and we pray they find comfort in the love that surrounds them and in the beautiful memories you leave behind. Until we meet again. ❤️🕊️
Favorites
What was Joseph's favorite Sports Team?
He was a lifelong Yankees fan and one of his favorite stories to tell was how when he was a kid he would exit Yankee Stadium through the field.
What was Joseph's favorite Sport?
He loved watching baseball and football (though he was the ultimate anxious viewer and sometimes could barely watch). He played baseball, football and basketball as a kid. He loved talking about how his high school football team was unbeaten and un-scored-upon. He also played handball and would tell a hilarious story about how his team (coach included) had to flee to a bus to escape an angry defeated opponent that really didn’t like losing.
His most bragged-about individual sports accomplishment (which he only brought up a million times) was turning an unassisted triple play on “Tiny” Archibald. Yes, Nate Archibald was a basketball player but they played baseball against each other and he loved to crow about this triple play.
His most bragged-about individual sports accomplishment (which he only brought up a million times) was turning an unassisted triple play on “Tiny” Archibald. Yes, Nate Archibald was a basketball player but they played baseball against each other and he loved to crow about this triple play.
What was Joseph's favorite Movie?
The Gagliardo family’s favorite movie is The Pope of Greenwich Village. Individually, Joseph loved the movie True Romance. He never failed to recommend it to passengers in his Town Car. While living in New York in the late ‘90s/early 2000s he often took the 6 train downtown to see old revivals and independent films with his son. Recently he loved the movie The Beekeeper (and just about any Jason Statham movie). Joseph loved watching a good action movie on his phone while lounging in his recliner.
What was Joseph's favorite Travel destination?
Maria and Joseph loved traveling to Aruba, especially with Vinny, Debbie, Mikey and Judy
What was Joseph's favorite Restaurant?
Rino's in Yonkers was definitely a favorite, and Gino's in the early days. He also loved White Castle when he lived on Allerton Avenue.
What was Joseph's favorite Food or Dish?
A trip to Arthur Avenue (Little Italy in the Bronx) for some olive bread, provolone bread, mozzarella and other staples was always a treat. Joseph loved to eat! His favorites dishes were usually what his son or daughter were making for him on any given night. He often spoke longingly for all the traditional Italian food his mother made when he was a kid (especially soufritte - a flavorful dish of offal cooked in tomatoes and served with savory biscotti). He loved holiday meals - Christmas Eve’s manicotti and Easter’s braised lamb shanks topping the list.
What was Joseph's favorite TV show?
Joseph loved a good procedural, but by far his favorite show was The Wire.
What was Joseph's favorite Book?
Joseph developed a love for audiobooks when he became a Town Car driver. He liked autobiographies and anything to do with history. He was a big fan of Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes. His all-time favorite book had to be A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe.
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