Joel J. DiPietro

Joel J. DiPietro passed away suddenly on Sunday April 3, 2022 in San Juan, PR. He was born in Philadelphia on April 7, 1972. Joel’s 49 years of life can be summed up in one word – complicated.

Joel’s still living mother, Maryann Felsher, recalls her Straight A student son’s early mischief by being contacted by the principal because Joel had climbed out the top of a moving school bus. She also remembers the calls for bail after his numerous DUIs and other arrests.

Joel’s sister, Andrea Grauber, previously worked for him at Domestic Bliss Cleaning Service, which he built from the ground up, as his indispensable Office Manager. This partnership ended in their estrangement lasting the better part of a decade before his passing. Andrea blessed him with one niece, Danielle, and two nephews, Dusty and Andrew.

Joel’s brother, Geoffrey Felsher (Rebecca Bretz), remembers the time vacation was saved by his eldest sibling’s brave battle with crabs that did NOT want to stay in the pot. Geoff also cringes when thinking about the time Joel argued his casino rewards shouldn’t have expired because he was in prison when they lapsed.

Gabrielle DiPietro Bustamante (Christopher) grieves the loss of the man her father could have been. From afar, she missed the silly, funny, generous man who would’ve loved seeing her two children, Kaylee Anna and Christopher Jr., grow up.

Joel’s daughter, Lucia DiPietro, the only of his immediate family still in contact with him, lives in San Juan, PR. She worked with him at his business, Piezas Pizza.

Part of Joel’s complicated past, the family is aware of two other potential daughters. They are unsure of much else, including his marital status.

The reactions to his death have ranged from sobbing to relief, sometimes by the same person in the same conversation. Joel had the determination, intelligence, and charisma to achieve anything he wanted. He also had a darkness he could not shake. All hope he has found peace.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life (or death) on April 21, 2022 from 6-9PM, at Delaware Valley Cremation Center, 7350 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136. Brief family sharing will be at 7:00 PM with time for refreshments and fellowship immediately afterwards, until 9:00 PM.