Joseph Falu Jr.

Joseph Falu, Jr. was born on the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico, on September 7, 1963 to Ana Lydia (Pellot) Garvin. He later moved to The Bronx where he was cared for by many aunts, uncles and cousins who affectionately called him “Bebo.”Joe was the oldest of 7 children.

In 1970, Joe joined his mother Ana Lydia, dad Bob Garvin, and younger sister Lizette in Ossining, NY. There he gained a lifelong friendship with the Brown Family. In Ossining, Joe hung out on Spring Street and in Nelson Park where he honed his basketball skills. Ever the hustler, he would travel with the Browns and other friends to Yonkers to play basketball where they would win money against players who underestimated Joe’s size and his toughness. Joe attended Ossining High School for a time and later transferred to Charles E. Gorton High School in Yonkers, NY where he played football. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the US Air Force.

After his discharge, Joe worked for his parents' dry cleaning business in Westchester County until he moved to Albany, NY in 1989. It was in Albany where he made his home and found his calling as a bus operator for CDTA. There he dubbed himself the CDTA Kid or Mr. 7119 and brought joy to many bus riders across the capital region. Joe was generous with his knowledge and his time, sharing what he learned about life. He became a union leader and advocate for others at CDTA. In his spare time he coached basketball at the Boys and Girls Club and dressed up as Santa at various holiday parties. He continued to serve his country in the Army National Guard for many years. Joe was a social person always welcoming friends and family into his home. He communed around his love for the NY Giants and the Chicago Bulls. Joe loved music, often playing old school hip hop to get a party started or Luther Vandross when it was time to set a mood. He found great joy playing congas in Washington Park with his fellow Boricuas. Joe was proud of his Puerto Rican Heritage, returning to the Bronx to enjoy cuchifritos and cooking mofongo at home for his family. Joe was a proud dad and grandfather. He was known to pull his bus up to the Albany City Schools to check in on his children. He was an active dance dad and drove his daughters to competitions up and down the Eastern Seaboard. An avid shopper, there was no coupon Joe didn't clip or discount he missed. Outlet malls were his playgrounds. He loved to buy clothes and sneakers for his progeny, always making sure they had everything that they needed and most of what they wanted. Joe was not too proud to get his hands dirty - cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for his family. He was a provider and a protector; a father figure to many. Joe had many meaningful relationships in his life, but it was with his beloved wife Demetria with whom he found healing, peace and growth. Together they raised their children, built a home in which all were welcome, traveled the world, and shared their stories and life lessons with others. In his last years, Joe became a TikTok sensation, sharing his musings and speaking with other couples around the country. He wasn’t on the bus anymore, but it gave him an opportunity to shine in front of a captivated audience. 

Joe Falu, Jr. is survived by his wife Demetria, 7 children - Marva, Maya, Janae, MeLisa, RaNissa, Zeyda, and Joey; 6 grandchildren; mother Ana Lydia; sister Lizette and other siblings; 1 fur grandchild; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close friends. He was predeceased by his dad Robert “Bob” Garvin; Brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Garvin; Grandparents, Antonia Pellot, and Josè & Ceferina Falú. Joe Falu, Jr. will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. 

Services are to be held at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY 12205 on Friday, September 13th from 1PM-3PM with a service to immediately follow. 

A repast will take place from 5:30-8:30 at  Fifth Avenue Banquet Hall 1309 5th Ave, Schenectady, NY 12303