Joseph Anthony Lucarelli Jr.

Joseph Anthony Lucarelli Jr., 85, of Rotterdam, NY, a visionary entrepreneur, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully October 27, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 26, 1940 and raised in the Bellevue neighborhood of Rotterdam, Joe was the proud son of Maria Diarito and Joseph A. Lucarelli, Sr., a first generation Italian-American immigrant who founded Bellevue Builders Supply.
Joe not only grew up in Bellevue - he made sure the name “Bellevue” continued to live on and thrive across the Capital Region and beyond through his life’s work, his family, and his enduring community impact.

From an early age, Joe demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic and business instinct. After assuming leadership of Bellevue Builders Supply in 1966, following his father’s passing, he transformed the company from a small, family-run lumber yard with just three employees into one of the Capital Region’s most respected and successful building suppliers - staffing more than 400 employees by the time he retired and sold the business. His life and business were deeply rooted in the community that raised him - a legacy built on integrity, hard work, and family.

At heart, Joe was a man driven by love - for his family, for his work, and for the dream of making his father proud. He married his high school sweetheart, Jovan, and together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and endless adventure. His family - four daughters, many grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren - became the greatest joy and purpose of his life. Every long day of work, every business venture, every risk - was for his family and their future.

Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit reached far beyond Bellevue. He was the proud owner and founder of Traditional Builders, J. Lucarelli Land Development, Carefree Apartment Village, and Hamel Stairs. His companies helped shape neighborhoods and communities throughout Schenectady County and the greater Capital Region. Joe was also a founding member of ENAP, and an active member of the Home Builders Association and New York Lumberman’s Association. Ever generous with his time and resources, he was an angel investor in numerous local businesses, always eager to give others a chance to succeed.

A respected board member of Trustco Bank, Joe played a key role in the bank’s strategic growth and its successful expansion into Florida, an accomplishment that stands among his proudest professional achievements.

Joe was predeceased by his sisters Rita Empie and Delores Merriner, and by his beloved son-in-law and business partner Joseph Montalbano.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Jovan Lucarelli; his daughters Lisa Lucarelli (Willie Griffin), Monica Lucarelli (Michael Hadsell), Kristi Lucarelli (Jeffrey Dunham), and Dana Montalbano; his brother Donald Lucarelli (Barbara Lucarelli); grandchildren Joey (Ashley), Talia, CaraMia (Aaron Castellana), Stephen, Kristopher (Brianna Gleasman), Johnny, Madelyn, Jeana, Joey, and Juliana; and great-grandchildren Delainie Lucarelli and Shepherd Castellana.

Though Joe’s business achievements were remarkable, it was his character, humor, and love for family that defined him. He found joy in simple pleasures—boating, golfing, hunting, and horseback riding, collecting model trains and vintage cars, and taking motor home trips with his family. Before spending winters in their Florida home, Joe and Jovan created a lifetime of memories at their Lake George vacation home. In their hometown, Joe and Jovan hosted legendary Fourth of July celebrations which became a cherished local tradition, complete with fireworks that lit up the night sky.

Joe also found peace in the quiet moments— meticulously tending to his lawn or simply working with his hands, finding satisfaction in doing things right.

Joe’s life was one of determination, integrity, and love. A man who built both businesses and relationships with care, he was admired for his vision, generosity, and humble nature. He lived each day with purpose—to honor his father’s legacy, provide for his family, and leave his community better than he found it.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday October 31st at 10am at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2777 Albany St., Schenectady.

In accordance with his wishes, Joe will be laid to rest privately, surrounded by his family—a final reflection of the humble and modest man he was throughout his extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made either to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements by DeMarco Stone Funeral Home, Rotterdam. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.