Joseph John Gaska, Jr., 78, of Brunswick passed away May 31, 2026, at UF Health in Jacksonville, FL.

Born on September 13, 1947, to Joseph John and Josephine Urban Gaska, he was the oldest of their children. Raised in the Catholic faith in Utica, New York, he graduated from Notre Dame High School before enrolling at George Washington University. His college education was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country for more than 20 years, earned a degree from American Graduate University during his military career, and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Joe met Phyllis in Italy in 1978 while he was serving in the Army and she was serving in the Navy. Throughout their 36-year marriage, they shared a love of travel, exploring the country and the world together, and even beginning their married life with a wedding in Las Vegas.

After retiring from the Army, Joe returned to the private sector, working for Rowe Research Corporation before accepting a position with Adelphia Corp., which eventually brought him to Brunswick. He later earned his real estate license, became an associate broker, and served for many years on the Board of Equalization. Joe was deeply committed to his community and was a longtime active member of the Brunswick Exchange Club and the American Legion. He also volunteered with the United Way and supported numerous civic activities throughout the area.

Joe was a very caring person, especially with his family and friends. An avid reader, he especially enjoyed the suspense and legal thrillers of David Baldacci, appreciating the way real-life events were woven into works of fiction. He also loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing and was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor - unless the topic was politics, then he became all business.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Jeff and Christopher Gaska.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Phyllis Gaska of Brunswick; sisters, Mary Gaska Callahan of Virginia Beach, VA, and Anne Gaska Grazadire (Kevin) of Oriskany, NY; brothers, Larry Gaska (Bonnie) of Hudson Falls, NY, Bruce Gaska (Gloria) of Utica, NY, and Mike Gaska (Cathy) of Clinton, NY; godson, Michael Gaska; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in a private service.