Joseph R. DeMasi

Joseph R. DeMasi was called home by the LORD on Sunday, Oct. 2. He joins his wife of 58 years, Adele, in heaven.

Joe was a decorated police officer who patrolled New York’s Central Park on horseback for over 24 years. His faithful horse Nylon and his only partner Howie kept the people safe and calm throughout their tour of duty.

While in New York, as a second job to support the family, Joe drove Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Spencer Tracey, James Cagney, Elvis Presley, Bette Davis and many more around NYC as a limo driver.

Joe, with his wife Adele, moved to Fountain Hills to get away from the snow and harsh New York winters. While in Arizona, Joe was head of security at the ASU Art Museum, worked at the Adobe Liquor Store, drove the Fountain Hills students with special needs to school plus helped patrol and keep the residents of Fountain Hills safe as an active member of the Marshal Department and the Posse.

Many, if not all of Fountain Hill Residents have met Joe as he worked every Fountain Hills fair keeping the peace as part of the Posse and at other times serving up sausage, onions and peppers with his Brothers in Arms and long-time buddies from the Knights of Columbus 9188.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Adele in 2014, his mother, Clementine in 2001, second father, Paul in 2010, brother-in-law, Arthur in 2015 and birth father, John in 1935.

Joe was an active member of the Church of the Ascension, where he served more than 30 years. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years earning the rank of 4th degree Grand Knight.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Joseph John and James Michael and daughter, Tina Marie; his sister, Sylvia ‘Diddy’ Besen; nephew, Chuck Besen and his five adorable and amazing grandchildren, Joseph Gregory (23), Jessica Gabriella (20), Jillian Grace (16), Jonathan Gabriel (15) and Jay Bryan (14) and his faithful police dog. Also many relatives on both coasts survive him.

Joe’s favorite food was eggplant parm, and his favorite dessert was cannoli. His favorite holiday was St. Joseph’s Day, and his favorite movie was “And Then There Were None.”

Joe did a stint in the US Army during the Korean Conflict where he was stationed at Fort Totten with basic training in New Jersey. He graduated top in his class from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Joe spent more than 60 years of his life as one of America’s finest men in Blue. His mottos were: “To Protect & Serve” and “Justice for the underdog.”

Services will be held on Saturday Oct. 8, 2016 at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, 85268 with 11:30 a.m. Celebration of Life and visitation and 1 p.m. service with reception to follow.