Mr. Joaquin V. Vega

UTICA – Mr. Joaquin V. Vega, age 88, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in the comfort and dignity of his home with his loving family by his side. Born on August 17, 1935, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Pascual and Vicenta (Vazquez) Vega. Raised in Puerto Rico, Joaquin later moved to the Bronx, NY in 1970 to reunite with his family. By 1985, he had made Utica his home. In 1958 he wed Sonia Pacheco, a union that was blessed with 6 children. Sonia passed away on February 7, 2001. In 2007, he found love again and wed the former Providence DiGeorge. Joaquin worked as a carpenter and a contractor in Puerto Rico and was a jack of all trades. For a period, he ran a grocery store in Puerto Rico as well. He later served as an apartment complex superintendent in New York City. Joaquin took on all responsibilities, however, heights were a no-go for him. He possessed a passion for music, which led him and his brothers to start a band. They had the privilege of performing with many renowned artists. Joaquin took joy in playing the Maracas and dancing. His prowess in games of chance often resulted in a win. He loved meeting new people and having conversations. With a beautiful and generous heart, he showed kindness to all, especially his family and neighbors during harvest time for fruits and vegetables. He enjoyed a good joke and sharing laughter with others. Joaquin loved to travel, whether it be by car, plane, or train, to visit family and see new sites. He was a man of faith, making God and prayer integral parts of his daily life. As the patriarch of 5 generations of his family, he will be remembered deeply. Joaquin is survived by his beloved wife, Providence; his children and their loves, Joaquin, Jr. and Carol Vega, Olga and Edwin Vazquez, Victor and Sonia Vega, Magaly and Robert Pacheco, Jamie and Vicki Vega, and Carmen "Cookie" Vega. He treasured the memory of his son, Jose Vega, who preceded him on July 30, 2001. He is also survived by his step-daughters and their loves, Jacquelyn Santiago and Mike O’Brien, Alexandra and Jeffrey Tebo, and Yolanda and Dr. Julio DeJesus. He was preceded by his step-son, Samuel "Sam" Santiago, on February 16, 2022. Joaquin also leaves behind 26 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great-grandchild. He is further survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Felicita Vega, Hilda Vega, Fidela Montijo, Lulin and Robert Montijo, and Candy and William Montijo. He was predeceased by his brothers, Elia Vega, and Pascual Vega. Additional survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws, Mary Alice and Aridan Silverwind, Cindi and Paul Dunn, Theresa and Doug Ingalls, Kathy Riggs and Shaun Looke, John DiGeorge, Jr., and Melinda DiGeorge and "Jay" Stoop; and the many cherished friendships throughout his life, both old and new. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 701 Kossuth Ave. Joaquin’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the church immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Joaquin V. Vega

August 17, 1935 - October 17, 2023