Joseph ‘‘Joe’’ B. Keyser

He was born to Joseph H. and Mary Ann Courtney Keyser on Oct. 13, 1969, in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

He spent many years in Colorado, where his love of hunting, nature and sports such as lacrosse and the Denver Broncos began. Later in his high school career, he moved to Cassadaga, N.Y., where he graduated from Cassadaga Valley High School in 1988. After high school, Joe attended the Western Culinary Institute and spent time travelling the country. Although he loved Colorado and regularly visited, he eventually settled in Cassadaga, where he became a jack of all trades but focused his creative energy on culinary arts and construction. Joe was a chef and manager at several local restaurants. He also took pride in the building projects and companies that he worked for over the years.

When Joe was not working, he loved to spend time in nature and with his friends and family. He was the proud father of Joseph A.C. and Kendra. He worked hard to instill in his beloved children, nieces and nephews his love of nature, canoeing, music, and the Broncos. He also enjoyed spending time with his enormous circle of friends. No matter where you went, you were likely to find a friend of Joe’s. His uncanny ability to make people feel loved and special along with his willingness to literally give the shirt off his back to help anybody at the drop of a hat endeared him to nearly everyone he met. Yet, whenever he had the chance, he would tell you his best friend was his sister.

Joe participated in several organizations and groups throughout his years. At Cassadaga High School, he was the dentist in Little Shop of Horrors and played on the varsity football team. In Colorado, he played on the lacrosse team. He wrestled and worked several jobs in both places. Later, he volunteered at the Cassadaga Fire Department, Sons of the American Legion, and several area music and arts festivals such as the Blue Heron. He loved to participate in area sports including several local golf and pool leagues. In all these endeavors, Joe’s big heart left an extraordinary impact on those around him.

Joseph was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph N. and Esther Keyser; his maternal grandparents, Don and Adria Courtney; and his nephew, David P. Giliberti.

Surviving are his children: Joseph AC Keyser of Buffalo, N.Y., and Kendra Keyser of Mayville, N.Y.; His parents, Joseph H. (Susan) Keyser of Salida, Colo and Mary Ann Courtney Keyser of Cassadaga, N.Y. His siblings: Elizabeth (Dave Harroun) Keyser of Cassadaga, N.Y., Margaret (Kenneth) Mahorney of Salida, Colo., Judith Yoder of Baton Rouge, La., and Tom (Danielle) Yoder of Mancos, Colo.. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements entrusted to Jordan Funeral Home.

Socially distant visiting hours will be from 4-6:30 p.m., at the Park United Methodist Church, 25 Maple Ave., Cassadaga, N.Y., on Monday, Oct. 26. Masks will be required. There will also be a celebration of life held outside this summer in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cassadaga Fire Department, 22 Mill St., Cassadaga, NY 14718 or the charity of your choice.