Joseph V. Danbusky

1945 - 2026

OBITUARY

Joseph V. Danbusky, 80, of New Hyde Park, New York, passed away peacefully at home on August 12, 2026, with his beloved wife of 58 years, Kathleen, by his side.

Born to George and Margaret Danbusky, Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the proud father of his late daughter, Karolyn, and his three sons, Joseph, Stephen, and Daniel, and their spouses, Jennifer, Theresa, and Pamela. He was a loving grandfather to Riley, Kieran, Caroline, Grant, Emilia, Evan, and Declan, and nothing brought him greater pride than watching his family grow and sharing in their lives.

Joe dedicated his professional life to others as a courier with FedEx before retiring. But it was soccer that became one of the great passions of his life. A dedicated fan of the game, Joe rose through the ranks as an official, ultimately becoming a US Soccer Federation Emeritus Referee, State Instructor, Referee Mentor and Assessor, Eastern NY Director of Instruction, and an intercollegiate official with NISOA. It was here he found tremendous joy in devoting himself to teaching, mentoring, and preparing the next generations of soccer officials. He approached the game with the same qualities he brought to everything in his life: discipline, fairness, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.

A devout Catholic, and a member of Notre Dame Parish in New Hyde Park, Joe's faith was an integral part of his life. His faith, patriotism, and devotion to his family were reflected not simply in what he said, but in how he lived.

Joe was known for his sharp wit, his meticulous nature, and his ability to find enjoyment in the simple things. It was not uncommon to find him sitting at the table diligently working through a crossword puzzle, pen in hand, or carefully composing what became some of the most detailed game reports Eastern New York Soccer has ever seen. Perhaps most importantly, he could often be found on the sidelines of his grandchildren's soccer games, proudly watching and cheering them on.

In retirement, Joe and Kathleen enjoyed traveling together, often accompanied by Kathleen's sister, Joan, and her husband, Jim. These travels gave them the opportunity to make memories together and enjoy the life they had spent so many years building.

For four years, Joe faced cancer with extraordinary courage and determination. He fought all the way to the very end, meeting each challenge with the same strength that defined so much of his life. Those who knew Joe understood that he was one of the strongest men you could ever meet, not simply in the face of illness, but in the way he loved, the way he believed, and the way he devoted himself to the people around him. His strength was never about being unshaken; it was about continuing to give of himself, even when things were difficult.

Joe spent his entire adult life sacrificing for and caring for the people he loved. He was steadfast, devoted, fiercely patriotic, deeply faithful, and immensely proud of his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured by the titles he held or the accomplishments he achieved, but by the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.

His children and grandchildren will remember the man on the sidelines, watching their games. His fellow officials will remember the teacher, mentor, and meticulous assessor who helped make them better. His family will remember his wit, his faith, his strength, and the countless ways, both large and small, that he put them before himself.

Above all, Joe will be remembered as a man who loved his family with his whole heart and spent his life showing them what devotion truly means.

He will be deeply missed, but his example will remain in his children, in his grandchildren, in the people he mentored, and in everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

In lieu of flowers, Joe asks that donations be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, a cause he was extremely passionate about. Donations can be made in his honor through https://t2t.org/donate/ and checking the box denoting the donation is made in memory of someone.

VISITATION

Monday, August 17 2:00 - 4:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM

New Hyde Park Funeral Home 506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY

FUNERAL MASS

Tuesday, August 18 10:45 AM Notre Dame R.C. Church 5 Mayfair Road, New Hyde Park, NY

INTERMENT

Calvary Cemetery 49-02 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Woodside, NY