Joseph A. Polese, Jr.

Joseph Polese, Jr., 65, of Thornwood, N.Y. died peacefully in his home on November 4 ^th . The first child of Joseph Polese and Ann Marie (Drake) Polese, he was born on September 2,1956 in New York City. A natural athlete from a young age, Joseph excelled in many sports and shone most brightly on the baseball diamond as a gifted pitcher. After a standout high school and early college career, with pitches being clocked at upwards of 90 miles an hour, he was drafted into the minor leagues in his early twenties. Joseph played professional baseball in the Triple-A affiliates of both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Toronto Blue Jays. He considered having pitched in Yankee Stadium the “thrill of his life.” Joseph went on to work in the restaurant industry as a cook with a knack for creating wonderful menus and keeping customers returning with his quick wit and kind demeanor. Joseph was also a talented musician focusing on playing guitar and song writing. He spent many years on local stages jamming with and enjoying camaraderie with fellow musicians. Joseph is survived by his brother Michael Polese, his sister Susan Polese and her husband Michael Toscano as well as his cherished niece Isabelle Magliari and her husband Andrew Jerome Mitchell. Donations in Joseph’s name to Sweet Relief Musician’s Fund, www.sweetrelief.org , would be greatly appreciated. This organization provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability or age related problems. The family will mourn privately in leu of a public service.

HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME

21 West Stevens Ave.

Hawthorne, New York 10532

914-769-4404