Joseph V. Vesley, 79, of Fayette City, Washington Twp., passed away suddenly at his home on January 17, 2026. Born September 17, 1946 in Uniontown, he was the son of the late Peter Vesley II and Kathryn Bednar Vesley. He was recently diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, and although under medical care, his passing was unexpected. He passed away. A lifelong resident of Fayette City, Joe lived away only during his service in the United States Navy. After his military service, Joe and his brother, Pete, took over the family moving business, Vesely Brothers Moving and Storage, a United Van lines agency started by their father and uncles. The brothers continued the company’s proud legacy until retiring and closing the business after nearly 100 years of operation.

He is survived by his wife of more than 52 years, Donna Dodson Vesely, and his son, Joseph “Joey”. He was also “Dad” to several exchange students over the years and loved his role as “Uncle” to his many nieces and nephews. Joe is also survived by his brother, Peter J. Vesely III and wife Karen; sisters Mimi McManus and husband Dennis and Peggy Gioella and husband Bobby. In addition, he is survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Butch & Eileen Dodson, Rick & Peg Dodson, Mary Beth & David Craig, Beverly Dodson, and Mark & Lynn Dodson; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends. Joe was kind and generous, always ready to lend a helping hand, and he will be deeply missed. He was a former member of Mon Valley Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing and playing Gin on Sunday afternoons. He also looked forward to golf outings and trips with good friends. A strong skier, he loved skiing with his wife, son, and close friends. A Steelers season ticket holder since 1972, he attended games with his wife and son and maintained a good-natured love–hate relationship with his team.

He was active in his community as a member of the Belle Vernon Area Rotary Club, the American Legion, and the Naomi Club. He was proud to have served terms as President of the former Mon Valley Progress Council before its merging. He was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and lived his faith quietly through kindness, service, and generosity. Joe loved telling stories of his time in the Navy and was proud to have served his country. He enjoyed traveling—especially to visit the many exchange students the Vesely family hosted—taking trips to Europe and South America. One of his greatest joys was discovering relatives in Slovakia and traveling there with his wife. A gifted carpenter, Joe enjoyed refinishing and building furniture and lovingly restored the family’s 1948 Century wooden boat. Boating was his lifelong passion, and he was never happier than when teaching others to waterski. Joe was deeply loved by many, and his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183. Prayers of Transfer will be held Wednesday at 9:30 am in the funeral home followed by funeral mass at 10:00 am at St. Sebastian R.C. Church. The Family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Joseph V. Vesley to the charity on one’s choice.