It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my best friend and loving husband, Joseph J. Laviano.  After 74 years living a life defined by service, integrity and love, God took Joe peacefully into his Heavenly Kingdom on Saturday, October 19, 2024.  Joe was born in Castiglione di Sicilia, Italy on January 22, 1950 and immigrated to the United States in 1958 with family moving to Albany, New York.  He was just an eight year old little boy who spoke no English.  Joe attended Cathedral Academy prior to graduating from Cardinal McCloskey Memorial High School in 1969.  He went on to graduate from Hudson Valley Community College in 1971 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science (Criminal Justice), prior to attending Siena College.  Joe then joined the Albany Police Department on March 26, 1973 and in later years was instrumental in starting the Albany County Regional Computer Network System.  Joe researched, designed and assisted in the formulation and preparation of procedures and policies concerning the procurement, installation and utilization of a Multi-Agency, Multi-Jurisdictional Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) networks.  After serving his community for over two decades, he retired with the Rank of Detective and Computer System Administrator for the Albany Police Department in 1996.  Joe was the President of the Users of Public Safety Software Systems from 1992-1994, an organization which represents Police, Fire, Medical, Correction and Court Members throughout the United States.  Along with his service to the community, Joe was also a Licensed Real Estate Broker in New York's Capital District Region area for many years.

In February of 1996, Joe moved to Florida where he became the E-911 Director of Communications/911 Coordinator for the Martin County Sheriff's Office in Stuart, Florida until his retirement on May 03, 2013.  Aligning with Joe's experience from up North, in November of 2013, he became a Florida Licensed Real Estate Agent, GRI, PSA, for Laviano and Associates in Palm City, Florida.  Joe truly loved serving his community and built lifelong friendships along the way.  Joe was an instructor, lecturer and consultant in the field of Law Enforcement, Education and Training for more than forty years (40) years, thus becoming responsible for the design and development of a number of educational and training programs for police and security officers, both in the public and private sector.  He was a Certified Police Instructor for the New York State Bureau for Municipal Police and also for the Association of Public Safety Officials (APCO).  Joe earned his Emergency Number Professional (ENP) Certification in 2004, thus recognizing him as a leader in his profession.  He then served as President of the Florida Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) in 2008/2009.  Joe was proud to have led in the design of the new "state of the art" 911 Communications Center at the Martin County Sheriff's Office in 2007, but what Joe was most proud of was his appointment by Governor Rick Scott on January 16, 2013 to Florida's E-911 State Board as the At-Large Representative, thus representing all 911 Coordinators for all of Florida's sixty-seven (67) counties to implement a statewide E-911 system for wireless/non-wireless voice communication users.  As E-911 Communications Director, he was responsible for ensuring county and city legislative compliance for all E-911 agencies in Martin County, supervision of multiple 911 Telecommunications staff, along with many other numerous responsibilities.  Joe was a graduate of Leadership of Martin County, Class 22, and an Alumni Member.  He was also a Member of the International Police Association, Region 26 of the Treasure Coast.  For Joe, his work was not just a job, but a calling.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, John and Rosaria "Sarina" Laviano and sister, Angela Laviano-Casale.  Joe is survived by his loving wife, Beverly J. Laviano, his brother Vincent (Angie) Laviano and sisters, Mary (Frank) Bolognino and Carmella (Bill) Pompa.  His cherished children, Joseph (Nicole) Warfield, Danielle (Jeremy) Waligory, John (Megan) Laviano, Christopher (Lucia) Laviano and step-daughter Heather J. Auer-Doran.  His beloved grandchildren, Joseph and Maelin "Sarina" Warfield; Mason, Camden and Brayden Laviano; Luca and Lorenzo Laviano and a new baby boy blessing coming in April; Zachery Tyler Auer, Andrew David Doran and Peyton James Doran, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and dear friends.

Joe leaves an unimaginable void in all of our lives, but we have comfort in knowing he is with the Lord.  We, as a family, thank you for all of your prayers and kind words of support during this incredibly difficult time.  Joe's "Celebration of Life" will be held in his honor at Forest Hills Memorial Chapel in Palm City, Florida on Thursday evening, November 14, 2024 from 5-7 pm.  A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held from 5-6 pm, with Joe's Prayer Service beginning at 6 pm.  In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to your charity of choice.  New York service arrangements will be forthcoming.  We know that God is the author of Joe's life, which has now been returned back to our Lord.  The love and memories that we have shared will always remain with us, as we navigate our own destiny that God has given to each of us…