Joseph "Joe" Rexford Lounsbury, born on February 22nd, 1948, in Syracuse NY, was a strong and steady presence who impacted everyone fortunate enough to know him. He passed away on January 24th, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by his family. He was a simple man in a busy world, someone who carried himself with patience and an unwavering sense of responsibility for those around him. He believed in doing the right thing quietly and giving more than he ever wanted returned. You likely caught him after church on Sunday hugging you so tightly you couldn't breathe, in hopes of having you crack a smile. He taught us all what it means to be dependable, compassionate and caring without demanding to be center of attention.

Joseph had a way of making everyone feel welcomed and valued; friends, neighbors, and even strangers quickly became part of his world. Known affectionately as "Handy Joe," he had a gift for fixing, building, and helping. He proudly lent his skill and hard work to many but truly enjoyed the pleasure of building his daughter and son-in-law's house in Canastota, where he resided for most of his adult life before moving to Florida in 2024. Joseph also loved life's simple pleasures-spending sunny days at the beach, indulging in sweets, people watching, playing Chinese checkers, shooting pool, and enjoying good food surrounded by family and friends. Everyone who met him felt his warmth, his humor, and his unwavering kindness.

Above all, Joe was a devoted brother, son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a servant heart and spent most of his life providing for his wife, Virginia Lounsbury of fifty-five years and his two children: Richard Lounsbury and Tiffany Swanson.  

Though our hearts are heavy, we are forever grateful for the time we were given with him. Joseph taught life lessons that will loudly resonate in the years to come through his quiet examples. In this past year, his only life goal was to get even closer to his family and spend as much of his time as he could with others, which tells you a lot about his character. He saw the bigger picture of life and wanted to ensure others did too, the two most important things being a relationship with Jesus Christ and loving your family. 

Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Virginia Lounsbury and grandson, Richard Lounsbury II. He is survived by two sisters and a brother, Diane Bufton, Sally Eick and John McGraw, son Richard Lounsbury and fiancé Domenica Agostion and the mother of his children Kim Lounsbury; grandchildren Savannah Lounsbury, Gabriella Anthony (Connor Anthony) and Dylan Lounsbury and his daughter Tiffany Swanson and husband Daniel Swanson; grandchildren Crystal Swanson, April Markowski (Brad Markowski), Amber Johnson (Xavier Johnson) and Destiny James (Alex James). One of his greatest joys this past year was the extended time he had with his great-grandchildren and the relationships he was able to build with them: Brody, Mason, Arrow and Crew Markowski and Adalynn and Harper Johnson.

Joseph proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, carrying that experience with humility, strength, and honor. In recognition of his service, he will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on a future date.