Joseph "Joe" William Turchiano

In Loving Memory of Joseph “Joe” William Turchiano who passed away at home in Ocoee, FL with his family by his side on Tuesday September 24, 2024. Joseph is survived by his wife Mitzi, children Jason, Brandon and Joseph Jr., Daughter in law Cari and Grandchildren Brianna and Alexis. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Celia Turchiano. Joe was born on February 23, 1947 and was raised in New York City having grown up on Bleecker Street in the famous area of Greenwich Village in Manhattan. He graduated from Aviation High School in Queens and was then drafted into the Army in September 1966 and served one deployment tour to Vietnam at the beginning of 1968 and was Honorably Discharged August 1968. Upon his return from Vietnam, he married the love of his life Mitzi Schuster on May 3, 1969. After the birth of their first child in 1973, they purchased a house in Staten Island where they lived for the next 31 years before moving to Florida in 2004. Joe spent the first few years of his professional career working in various aspects of the fashion industry. Then in 1982 he opened Bagels on the Square with his childhood friend Leonard “Lenny” Cucinotta on Carmine Street in Greenwich Village around the corner from where he grew up. This proved to be a very successful business earning him the nickname “Joe Bagels“. In the late 1990’s, Joe and Lenny made the decision to sell the bagel store to new owners and it still remains in business today over 40 years since its opening. Joe then worked with another friend operating the Jazz Super Club Zino’s and he also worked in construction briefly. After moving to Florida he partnered with his oldest son Jason to open and operate a Dunkin Donuts Franchise store in Ocoee from 2003 – 2006. Since his early childhood, Joe had an immense love for horses and the style of old-time cowboys and the old west. He even owned a horse named Blue for over 10 years that was kept at Forrest Park in Queens and he went riding numerous times a week after work. Joe also made numerous trips to Wyoming to go horseback riding and camping. We look forward to seeing everyone who can come and celebrate Joseph’s amazing life. The public viewing is scheduled for Monday, September 30th at DeGusipe Funeral Home 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd, Ocoee FL 34761 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. The burial service will take place on Tuesday, October 1st at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 11:30 a.m.

Joseph "Joe" William Turchiano

February 23, 1947 - September 24, 2024