SUFFOLK- Joseph Francis Balsamo age 68, died at his home the morning of February 18, 2020.  Joe, a Portsmouth native, was the son of the late Lawrence Joseph Balsamo and Anna Marie Alianello.

Joe is survived by his wife of twenty years, Mary Frances Cogliandro Balsamo; his sons David C. Balsamo (Leigh-Anne) and Joseph A. Balsamo (Stephanie); his grandchildren: Micah, Sasha, Hope and Bella; his sister Ann Balsamo Dwyer (Ham); his brother Lawrence C. Balsamo (Karen); and nieces and nephews, as well as many relatives by marriage.

Joe was a Pipefitter supervisor at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Shop 56) and retired in 2014 from there with 38 years of service. He received an Associate Degree in Police Science from Tidewater Community College. Joe was a member of Portsmouth Council 418 – Knights of Columbus.   He was a naval veteran.

Joe's hobbies include spending time with his son and grandchildren. He enjoyed shooting sports. Joe had a passion for sports cars, especially BMWs.  He also had a great love of the outdoors, enjoying nature walks and observing wild animals in their natural habitat. Additionally, he was Lady Gaga's number one fan.

There will be a Rosary and viewing on Thursday, February 20 beginning at 6 p.m. at Baker Foster Funeral Home, 5685 Lee Farm Lane, Suffolk Va.  A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 21, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth. Burial will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church Restoration Fund, c/o 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth, VA 23703. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.