Contributions to the tribute of Joseph Kancelaric

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Friday, March 17, 2023

Anthony, sorry for your loss, you have my sincere condolences. You and your family are in my prayers. Zelda Bryant Ashby Office of school food and nutrition Department of Education

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Celeste D'Emilio uploaded photo(s)

Friday, March 17, 2023

I was so lucky to have him as my uncle and godfather. Growing up next door to each other and eventually in the same brownstone was such a blessing to be so close to both my Aunt Beatrice and Uncle Joe and my cousins, Annie, Michael and Anthony. He took us to Prospect Park in the spring and summer for bike riding and playing in the grass, and on snowy days in the winter to sled down hills. He always made time for us, regardless of the fact that he was usually working an extra side job. He could be very funny - I'll share one particular memory. Annie and I went to Queen of All Saints Catholic School - one day some kids in the class were being particularly rowdy or chatty so our third grade nun gave us ALL an assignment that we had to write ONE HUNDRED "I shall not..." lines. So of course, after the initial few I shall nots...talk in class, misbehave to my parents, etc., Annie and I were stumped. Uncle Joe had come in from work and we asked him for help. He said, "I shall not eat radishes!" and he had the best chuckle to himself as Annie and I wailed, "Dad!!! Uncle Joe!!! Be serious!!!!" Because of course we were deathly afraid of that nun! But he had some good laugh over it LOL. He and my Dad also loved taking us to Sheepshead Bay, just to walk along the pier, buy a bag of peanuts and soak in the sun. Didn't realize it at the time, but coming from Olib, a small island in Croatia, he must have loved to be by the water. He bravely crossed the Adriatic with his brother and a few others to escape to Italy, killing their engine if a large ship passed by so not to be detected, risking being hit. When I asked him how they knew where to steer their little boat, he'd point to the sky and say, "North Star!" That is some old school GPS - like I said: brave. He was so happy when I told him how much I loved my trip to Croatia with Annie for her 50th birthday. He was so proud of where he came from. We were so lucky to have him for so long, but I will still miss him terribly. I love you, Uncle Joe. I know my parents, Aunt Beatrice and Annie got the coffee cups out upon your arrival in Heaven.

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The family of Joseph Kancelaric uploaded a photo

Friday, March 17, 2023

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Werner Dittmer lit a candle

Friday, March 17, 2023

To Anthony, Danielle, Jenna, and Matthew. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace. Sending Love, Werner Dittmer

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Ann M Carraher posted a symbolic gesture

Thursday, March 16, 2023

We loved our Joe. He was our father figure after our own dad passed away and Joe was always so kind to us. We have the greatest respect for Joe. He rowed over to Italy with his brother from their island in Croatia to find a better life. What a story in that journey. And Joe did that in America working hard as a long shoreman and supporting his wife Bea, and his children Annie, Michael and Anthony. Joe lived the American Dream. Joe was so proud of all of his children and their accomplishments and his wonderful grandchildren, Danielle, Jenna, Mathew and Michael. May Joe be at eternal peace with Bea, Annie, and his mom, dad and other siblings gone before him. Joe you will be missed by us and your family still here on this Earth. Remember us now that you are in Paradise and pray for us. May we always remember your courage and your great love for all of us. Rest in peace dear friend until we meet you again. Love, Ann, Phil and Mary

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Celeste D'Emilio Posted Mar 17, 2023 at 1:14 PM

Beautifully said, Ann.

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Joseph Kancelaric

1930 - 2023

Visitation at Funeral Home

Visitation at Funeral Home

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