VALVASORI, Joseph John
“He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith,” but after a long and brave struggle with cancer, nurtured by the unending support of his loving family and strengthened by the prayers of his many friends, Joseph Valvasori was called into the loving arms of his heavenly Father on April 25, 2019, in the 37th year of his young life. He leaves behind his much-loved fiancée, Carla Filice, and his beautiful infant daughter, Natalie Valvasori; his devoted parents, John and Sandra; his sisters and brother, Sherri Mercuri, Julie and Dino Perri, Angela and Mike Pejic, and Steven; his nieces and nephews, Amanda, Nina and Ashley Mercuri, Alyssia, Marcus and Christian Perri, Solara and Dominic Pejic, Achilles and Lilia Tomasic; and his inlaws, Fran and Pat Filice, Mark Filice, Anthony and Sabrina Tomasic. He will be missed by his many cousins, aunts and uncles, and countless good friends.
Joe was a good person who lived for others with whom he willingly shared his time and talents. In elementary school at Corpus Christi, he developed his sense of humour, his moral compass and many friendships, and he gained the Bishops Medal as an alter server. In high school at St. Thomas More CSS, he excelled in soccer, hockey and football and was named Athlete of the Year. He developed his athletic skills playing minor hockey in Glanbrook and rep soccer with Hamilton Sparta. After a stellar career at Mohawk College, Joe began his true passion in life, coaching soccer. He coached his Hamilton Sparta rep teams over 14 seasons, where he learned and promoted the true values of sports and the importance of respectful coach-athlete relationships, and eventually became the club’s Technical Director. He travelled extensively to earn a multitude of certifications in this field, and became an Ontario Soccer Learning Facilitator. His next step was to assist his brother-in-law, Dino, in coaching the McMaster Men’s Soccer team for eight years. His culminating task was to be the head coach of the McMaster Women’s Soccer team over the past two seasons, where he took on an under-performing group and led them to a fourth place finish in the National championships in 2018. He was so looking forward to winning the national title this season with these young ladies who were very dear to him.
However, Joe’s greatest asset was his love for his family. He adored Carla, the love of his life, who never left his side during his 10 month struggle, and their adorable daughter, Natalie, whose much-anticipated birth coincided with the national championships. He was always at the centre of family functions, regaling us with stories, making everyone laugh, and keeping our wine-glasses filled. He loved the company of his brothers and sisters, and helped all of them through life’s adversities. He was a source of great pride to his parents. He shared a special relationship with his father, John, who coached him as a young athlete, and who became Joe’s assistant over the past two years at McMaster. He shared a special love for his mother who supported Joe’s every move from birth until his final days. He shared his life experiences with his tightly knit group of friends including Mike, Kyle, Brandon, Darryl, Dave, Joe, Lenny, Joel and Scott , with whom he played, worked, partied and simply enjoyed life.
Special thanks go to the many nurses who cared for Joe and his family through-out the ordeal, for their competence, their caring, and their willingness to go out of their way to ease everyone’s pain, and to the medical staff at Juravinski Hospital. Thanks also to those who contributed to Joe’s Go Fund Me campaign to offset the extensive costs of his treatment. Finally, thanks to those who attended Joe and Carla’s Stag and Doe in preparation for their planned July wedding.
Visitations will take place at Bay Gardens Funeral Home at 947 Rymal Rd E on Sunday, April 28th and Monday, April 29th from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:30 - 9:00. The funeral will take place at St. Catherine of Sienna Church (Corpus Christi site), 1694 Upper James St., on Tuesday, Apr. 30 at 10:00, followed by a reception at Carmen’s Banquet Centre at 1520 Stone Church Rd E., Hamilton. Joe’s life was well-lived and filled with goodness. If there is a soccer team in heaven, Joe will be coaching it.