Joseph Salvatore Virzi

2/19/1964 - 10/29/2024

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Obituary For Joseph Salvatore Virzi

Joseph Salvatore Virzi, loving husband, father, friend, and visionary, passed away on October 29, 2024, at the age of 60, surrounded by his cherished family. Born on February 19, 1964 in San Francisco, California, Joseph lived a life marked by unparalleled dedication to his family and a relentless pursuit of knowledge and creativity.

Professionally, Joseph was an engineer who excelled in a variety of industries, including data and transportation, but his creativity transcended any single career path. He earned his Ph.D. in Particle Physics from UC Berkeley, where he made significant contributions to groundbreaking research at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, participating in the team that discovered the Higgs boson, known as the “God particle.” His remarkable intellect was matched only by his entrepreneurial spirit; in the early 90s, he founded award-winning computer hardware and telephony businesses. In a departure from technological pursuits 25 years ago, he also channeled his love for coffee into a successful roasting venture, Due Torri Coffee.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joseph was a man of many talents. A true engineer at heart, he could build anything from scratch, transforming ideas into tangible creations. His infectious sense of humor and good heart earned him friends around the globe. He inspired many to pursue their goals in higher education and entrepreneurship. Joseph lived life on his own terms, never swayed by convention. He marched to the beat of his own drum, embracing individuality and creativity in everything he did.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife Maria Elena Virzi, and his 4 daughters, Sofia Virzi (31), Maria Virzi (30), Valentina Virzi (14), and Josefina Virzi (11). He also leaves behind two brothers, Nicholas Virzi and Vincent Virzi.

Joseph’s funeral services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024. A service will take place at 11 am at Holy Spirit Church, located at 37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA, followed by burial at 12:30 pm at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 26320 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544.

After the burial, we will return back to Holy Spirit Church for the reception, where we will congregate in the DeSousa House. Please join us as we honor Joseph’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the ASPCA, or organizations dedicated to researching treatments for pancreatic cancer.

Services

8 Nov

Funeral Mass

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Holy Spirit Catholic Church 37588 Fremont Boulevard Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
8 Nov

Burial

12:30 PM

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 26320 Mission Blvd. Hayward, CA 94544 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 7 TREES

    Eileen Wu planted 7 trees in memory of Joseph Salvatore Virzi . - 11/08/2024

  • Serene Lily Basket

    Ma Rosario Bunyi sent Serene Lily Basket for Joseph Salvatore Virzi - 11/07/2024

    Our deepest condolences. from: Bunyi Family

  • Serene Lily Basket

    Mike Earp sent Serene Lily Basket for Joseph Salvatore Virzi - 11/06/2024

    Our deepest condolences to Maria and Family. From your friends and colleagues at SGS.

  • 5 TREES

    5 Trees were planted in memory of Joseph Salvatore Virzi - 11/06/2024

  • 5 TREES

    5 Trees were planted in memory of Joseph Salvatore Virzi - 11/05/2024

  • Beautiful Dreams

    Beautiful Dreams was sent for Joseph Salvatore Virzi - 11/05/2024

  • 5 TREES

    5 Trees were planted in memory of Joseph Salvatore Virzi - 11/05/2024

  • 5 TREES

    Lucky Arroyave de Murga planted 5 trees in memory of Joseph Salvatore Virzi . - 11/05/2024

Condolences

  • 11/29/2024

    To the Family of Joe: I was Joe's REALTOR in WV and considered him a friend. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. He was a wonderful man, and I enjoyed our conversations about life, business, family, and the world as we saw it. Joe looked to me for advice in real estate, business in southern WV, and about WV in general, and knowing how highly intelligent and calculated he was, it was such an honor to work with him. He always made me feel confident about my intelligence and reasoning abilities. We have spoken many times about his love for family, and my heart goes out to all of his family and friends during this challenging journey without Joe by your side. God bless you all, and I will continue to pray for your peace, comfort, and resilience until you meet Joe again one day! Love and prayers, Laura E. Collins, REALTOR, Old Colony

  • 11/10/2024

    What an amazing family Joe built. Joe was so confident, he would arm- wressel anyone. I can still picture his tongue slightly sticking out, grining as he beat his opponet. He was cool, handsome, smart and strong. Peace to his wife and daughters, Nick and Vincent. I'll always remember Joe. I loved Joe. Best friend from 76-82. What an accomplished life, we were all honored to be his friend, at different times of his life. Our cherish our unique memories. R.I.P. Joe Bryan Diestel ( My Mom and Dad also loved Joe). My brothers, Tim and Wayne also send condolances. All St.Emydius grads.🥰

  • 11/09/2024

    Dear Virzi Family, Abraham Lincoln High School's Class of 1982 Reunion Committee wants to extend our deepest condolences to you during this incredibly difficult time. Joe was a man who left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His brilliant mind, warm heart, and sharp wit made him not only a beloved classmate, but a cherished friend. We were fortunate to have shared the joy of reconnecting with him at our 30-Year Reunion, where his presence reminded us all of the wonderful person he was. Joe's legacy will live on in the many lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and in the wisdom he imparted. We hope you find comfort in the love and admiration he received from those around him, as well as in the memories of his remarkable life. Please know that our thoughts are with you all—his loving wife, daughters, brothers, and entire extended family—as you navigate this profound loss. Joe's spirit will always be remembered with great affection by the Class of 1982. With heartfelt sympathy, Abraham Lincoln High School's Class of 1982 Reunion Committee

  • 11/08/2024

    I worked with Joe in Berkeley and at CERN in Geneva. The first thing I noticed was his incredible curiosity only matched by his talent. He kindly introduced me to his family (his Elenas) and we spend a few meals and some good stories and adventures together. He was one of a kind and will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to his family.

  • 11/07/2024

    I'll never forget you. You touched my life in immeasurable ways. You were brilliant. I only knew one man smarter, and that honor belonged to my dad. Praying for your children.

  • 11/07/2024

    I always admired Joey, for his endless creativity and thoughts. He's love, caring and support of his wife and 4 daughters the Elenitas is immeasurable. He was so funny, he even laughed at the Winnie-the-Pooh joke. My compadre Joey never lost his faith, even in hard times. I can imagine him caring my little Jonathan 🤍 his Godson in his arms and being so sweet to him. Rest in peace 🙏 Joey. You will always be in our hearts.

  • 11/06/2024

    Recuerdo un viaje a Livingston, fuimos a 7 altares y el diciendo cuidado se caen y el ya estaba en el suelo, al rato me caí yo y nos reímos, yo estaba chiquita. Ambos somos del 19 de febrero, solo que el me ganaba de edad. Joey, eras sin duda alguna una gran persona, un excelente tío, un gran ser humano y super simpático, cada vez que venían siempre nos mirábamos, excepto la última vez ya que había mucha lluvia y eso nos frusto la vista, sin saber que era nuestra despedida... te vamos a extrañar muchísimo! Gracias por tus risas, tus visitas y sobre todo por el cariño para nosotros. Te quiero mucho Joey! See you in the other side!

  • 11/06/2024

    I am Joseph's cousin and only remember him as a little girl. We used to spend Christmas at the Virzi's, eating Guatemalan tamales that Maria would make. While we didn't have the chance to know each other as closely as I would have liked, Reading about Joseph's incredible accomplishments and learning about his scientific contributions has left me in awe. Knowing that Joseph was a part of the team responsible for discovering the Higgs boson particle at CERN His work on wave-particle dimensions and discovering the "God particle" is nothing short of extraordinary. I deeply regret not having known him better. Please accept my deepest condolences and know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. csn

  • 11/05/2024

    Hi Joe, wishing I got to send one more message to you ! A person is lucky if they have a few people in their lives that they can truly call a "friend". One who is supportive, non-judgmental and inspirational at the same time a "kindred spirit". You will always be one of those people to me Joe. Thank you for sharing part of your life with me. - Jon

  • 11/05/2024

    I will ALWAYS remember the day when he returned from Guatemala and told me: "I'm getting married". He was sooo happy and giddy! What a wedding! He was a true, passionate, visionary, dedicated father, and made the world a better place. May you rest in peace Joey!

  • 11/05/2024

    When remembering someone special like Joey who has passed away, it can be a deeply personal and emotional process. I will always cherish the good moments we had together as roommates or as one of the Virzi family. Joey you will be missed Rest in peace my dear friend

  • 11/04/2024

    He lived life well with a long list of impressive achievements. His passing will certainly leave a large void in those who have known him. Hopefully, he moved to a better. May God bless his soul.

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