Joel DeJesus

October 30, 1940 ~ August 25, 2024

Joel (Joey) DeJesus was born October 30, 1940, in New York City. He was the son of Manuel and Evangelista (Benejan) DeJesus. He was one of five children. Joel went home with the Lord peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2024. He is now reunited with his parents and brothers.

Joel was an Army Veteran, he served the Army from April 18, 1966, to March 30, 1968.

He was blessed by being stationed in France and was able to travel to Germany, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada.

Joel moved from New York City to Walden, NY in the late 6o's. He started working at Champion Bagging Company/International Paper. He worked for the company for 34 years, from 1969 to his retirement in 2003. While working at the company, he received several awards and letters of achievement. He made the Champion Hall of Fame several times. Joel was also a member of the Walden Jaycees and the Walden Ambulance Corps. He received a certificate of appreciation for the organization's work to encourage blood donation.

While attending school and church, he found his passion for singing. He was an amazing Tenor.

He sang in the choral chorus in High School. He also sang in several choirs, men's groups and was a worship leader at church. He was a member of the well-known church in New York City, La Sinagoga and when he moved upstate to Walden, he continued singing at the First Spanish Assembly of God (Newburgh, NY) Newburgh Assembly God, now Crossroads Assembly of God where he was an active member for over 35 years. Joel was also a very loved Sunday School teacher. He was very encouraging, and his former students still remember his uniqueness to study their Bible Lessons and memorize the memory verses. Joel was also the song leader in the church Tuesday morning prayer meetings and they miss his singing.

He was truly loved by this church family.

Joel is predeceased by his father, Manuel DeJesus, mother, Evangelista (Jenney) DeJesus,

Brothers, Manuel (Manny)DeJesus, Jr. John De Jesus and Ruben DeJesus.

Joel is survived by his only sister, Yvonne (DeJesus) Mojica (Junior), his nephews and nieces:

Pastor Manuel (Manny) Montalvo (Alexa), Debbie Squadroni (Claudio), John DeJesus, Jr., Richard DeJesus, Stephen DeJesus (Luisa), Mayra (Albert), Loyda Cruz (Joe), Celina DeJesus and Elia DeJesus, (Mom: Penelope DeJesus) and Ludmilla Plenty (Robert), Great nieces & nephews: Matthew Montalvo, Michael Montalvo, Erika, Bethany, Paul, Franchesa, Marcus, David, and Rebecca. He also has several great, great nieces and nephews.

Foster nieces, Angie and Debbie and step nieces and nephews: Danny (Sheila), Billy Mojica, Andy (Eva), Debbie (Jeff), great step-nieces and nephews: Samantha(Jason), Cameron, Jayla, Jeffrey, Joseph, Denise, Justin, Guliana and several great, great nieces and nephews.

Ex-nieces by marriage: Ines Matthews and Bre DeJesus

He also has a large number of cousins, too numerous to mention all by name, many great friends and neighbors that he has cherished throughout the years.

Visitation will be held at Crossroads Assembly of God on Saturday, August 31 from 4 - 7 PM, with a service beginning at 6 PM.

As per Joel's wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his church: Crossroads Assembly of God 7 D'Alfonso Rd, Newburgh, NY
12550.