Joseph F. ‘Sloppy Joe’ Tavano

WEST CLARKSVILLE — Joseph F. “Sloppy Joe” Tavano, born Jan. 10, 1940, age 85, of West Clarksville, passed away peacefully Monday (Dec. 15, 2025).

Joe was born in Niagara Falls to Jean and Joseph Tavano. He graduated from Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls.

Following graduation, Joe worked on the construction of the Niagara Falls power plant and later spent many years employed by Union Carbide and DuPont as a millwright pipefitter.

On April 20, 1979, Joe married the love of his life, Joree Tavano. Together they shared many loving years of marriage and shared seven sons. In 1982, they moved their family to West Clarksville, where they became deeply rooted in the community.

In 1992, Joe and Joree opened Sloppy Joe’s Deli in West Clarksville, which they proudly operated for 27 years. Sloppy Joe’s became a beloved community staple, housing not only the deli but also a hair salon, post office, fall-themed children’s amusement park and putt-putt golf. It was home to many community gatherings, including Tuesday morning open jams for local musicians, Thursday night card games and the always-packed Friday night fish fries. Joe made sure the penny candy jars were always full for neighborhood children and was well known for his generosity and willingness to help others.

Joe was a strong but quiet man — a hardworking provider who cared deeply for his family and his community. He was also a proud member of the West Clarksville Volunteer Fire Department and served on the West Clarksville Town Board for many years, always willing to give his time in service to others.

He loved cooking his homemade spaghetti sauce and meatballs, fishing, classic cars and watching NASCAR and the Buffalo Bills. He enjoyed collecting antiques and was a skilled carpenter and furniture craftsman. Joe loved working on and racing cars and spending time with his sons in the garage. Though usually reserved, he was often seen smiling and dancing behind the counter while he cooked.

Joe is survived by his sons, Michael (Brenda) Askey, Brian (Tina) Askey, Daniel Tavano, David (Deidre “Dee”) Tavano, Darrin Tavano and Darrell (Amy) Neal; his 16 grandchildren, Scott, Nick, Joanne, Mryiah, Matthew, Anthony, Danielle, Alyse, Brandy, Matt, Raeann, Sara, Thomas, Mikey, Trevor and Todd; 23 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Anita Tavano; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Joree Tavano; his sister, Sarah (Angelo) Conde; his brother, Anthony “Tony” Tavano; his son, Dominic Tavano; and his daughter-in-law, Denise “DeeDee” Tavano.

A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the Cuba VFW.

Donations can be made to the West Clarksville Fire Department in lieu of flowers.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.