LOUDONVILLE- Joseph “Joe” Small, 91, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2018, surrounded by the love of his family.

Joe was born in Albany, NY to the late Michael (Casimir) Small, and Pauline (Apolonia Wavzaszech) Small, on September 16, 1926. Joe served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. On September 9, 1950 Joe married the love of his life, Betty Jane. They were married for 66 years and together raised one daughter, Marilyn Valentini. After his military service he finished his education at Siena College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Joe worked for and retired from NYS Dept. of Tax and Finance. He will be remembered for his love of sports, hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was a longtime member and treasurer of Bethlehem Sportsman Club. Joe was a parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Loudonville, NY. Joe enjoyed his bingo outings with his bingo buddies at Herbert B. Kuhn Senior Citizens Center. His passion in life was his family, and he was immensely proud of his grandson, Dean, who is following in his grandfather’s footsteps, currently serving in the United States Air Force.

Joe is predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty Jane, and his grandson, Drew Valentini.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Marilyn Valentini, his son-in-law, Ladd Valentini, and his grandson, Captain Dean Valentini, USAF.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205, on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211, on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 10:00am. Burial will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517, or the St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, 315 South Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208.