Paid Notice: Joe, who recently moved to Tampa, Florida, passed away at a hospice facility in Palm Harbor on January 6. Joe was 74 years old. Joe, who was known to his family and friends as Bubba, grew up in Brentwood, Long Island before moving to Amagansett around 1970, following a number of friends who were into the surfing culture at the time.
As an exceptional carpenter, Joe worked for many years with one of the top general carpenters on the East End, Trunzo Builders Inc.
Afterwards, he formed his own contracting company doing mainly high-end top shelf, residential projects. The East End’s special environment, which brought Joe there to begin with, allowed him to enjoy the beaches and Montauk’s fishing. Joe’s favorite trips when chasing yellowfin tuna back in the day was when they could be caught at Butterfish Hole on a regular basis.
Joe and his wife Mary, who passed away in 2016, threw some of the best Super Bowl parties annually, where Joe showed off his exceptional ability as a chef. He and Mary had no children, but did have a cat named Oscar, who was the love of their lives. When it came to sports Joe played outfield for KCC in the local Amagansett softball league.
In recent years, Joe fought hard with his kidney disease going for dialysis three days a week. He moved to Florida in November to be closer to his sister and family who were caring for him. Joe is survived by his sister Vanessa Zipter of Oldsmar, Florida, and nieces, Kimberly Rauft of Oldsmar and Patricia Rauft of Tampa. With an exceptional gift of companionship, and a great sense of humor, Joe Levia will surely be missed.
