Bethany ~ Joseph R. Stalica, age 78, of Broadway Road, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening (November 30, 2025) at United Memorial Medical Center.

     He was born October 24, 1947 in Buffalo, a son of the late Joseph S. and Theresa Basinski Stalica.

     Joe will be remembered for his love of family and his laid back demeanor.  He was never shy to engage in a conversation whether he knew the person or not.  He had a strong Catholic faith and took great pride in his gardening.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, cutting wood and socializing with family and friends.  Joe was a member of the LeRoy Moose Center and the Stillwater #4 Fish & Game Club.

     He will be sadly missed by his wife of 53 years, Nicki Churchfield Stalica; his siblings, Sylvia Taylor, Patricia (Dave) Gorski, Donald (Bonnie) Stalica, Kenneth (Jane) Stalica, Michael (Marie) Stalica and Thomas (Karen) Stalica; sisters-in-law, Paula Ferguson and Candace Lesinski; brother-in-law, Douglas (Sharon) Churchfield, along with many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and dear friends.

     In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Jim Taylor, Dennis Lesinski and Steven Ferguson; sister-in-law, Patricia Conklin and nephew, Jeffrey Gorski.

     Family and friends may call on Tuesday, December 9 from 3 ~ 7 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 10 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 11095 St. Mary’s Street, Pavilion, N.Y.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, 10510 Bethany Center Rd., East Bethany, NY 14054