MECHANICVILLE – Joel H. DePeaux, 66, of N. Second Ave, died peacefully in the comfort of his home on March 7, 2023, with his loving family by his side. Born in Burlington, VT on March 29, 1956, he was the adopted son of the late Donald and Judith DePeaux, and Donald’s second wife Marion.
A Shenendehowa High School graduate, Joel soon after joined the US Air Force, honorably serving his country from 1974 – 1977, when he received his discharge. He would go on to work as a Corrections Officer for the NYS Department of Corrections, stationed at Mt McGregor Correctional Facility until its closing and then finished his career at Albany Medical Center, retiring in 2018. He was a longtime member of the NYSCOPBA Union.
Joel was an active community participant. He was a longtime member of the Mechanicville Stillwater Elks Lodge, the Mechanicville Family Day Committee, and the All Saints on the Hudson Parish, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He also volunteered at BINGO games, and was an election poll watcher. His love of cats, especially his “Queenie” and “Archie”, led him to also volunteer at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands. He loved to travel with his wife Ann, especially trips to Maine, and along the Atlantic coastline, where he enjoyed visiting lighthouses. An avid music lover who enjoyed concerts, he could also play the guitar and keyboard. Ann’s family was a huge part of his life, their marriage gave him the opportunity to be a grand and great grandfather, and he cherished the times he was able to spend with the children.
Survivors include his cherished wife of 36 years, Ann Sisto Leonard, whom he married on August 2, 1986, children Scott(Maryellen) Leonard, Michael(Kathy) Leonard, and Michelle Leonard, grandchildren Vikki(Kyle) McKenzie, Lauren(Dan) Petronis, Adam(Renee) Leonard, Jason(Tricia) Saunders, David(April) Saunders, and Sydney Leonard(Kyle Simoncavage), 14 great grandchildren, sisters Kim Spataro and Kathy Tetlack. He was predeceased by his brother Ronald Peceri. Later in life, he was thrilled to have a chance to meet his birth mother Doris Austin, as well as birth siblings Bobby, Lisa, Tim, David, and Marty.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 15th from 10 - 12PM at All Saints on the Hudson Church, 121 N Main St, Mechanicville, NY 12118. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Noon, followed by military honors and internment at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204. Visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com for directions to the church or to leave condolences.