Joseph F. Cassella

Joseph F. Cassella, 40, our devoted father, husband, son, brother and friend passed away surrounded by his family and friends on July 11, 2009 after a very courageous battle with cancer. Joe grew up in Frankfort, N.Y. and moved to Virginia in 1993, most recently settling in Waterford, Va, with his wife, Gina and their three children, Nicole, Joey and Ava. Joe "Juice" attended Frankfort-Schuyler High School and SUNY@ Brockport, Rochester, N.Y. Joe then focused on a dream. The creation of Elite Fitness Concepts, a Health and Fitness Club in Great Falls, Va., in 1998 fulfilled his dream to share his philosophy of "New Day, New Chance." Joe was an outstanding personal trainer and friend who motivated in simple ways that touched and strengthened us all. Joe is survived by his beloved wife Gina and their three childr en, Nicole Marie, Joseph Rocco, and Ava Nicole. Also surviving are his parents, Joseph and Angela Cassella; sister and brother-in-law, Dina and Jeff DeSarro and their children, Gianna, Jeffrey and Angelo; and brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Vivi Cassella. Also surviving are his in-laws, Frank and Donna DeRocco, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Frank and Nicole DeRocco, brother-in-law and fiance Vincent DeRocco and Krystal Bensen, and brother-in-law Patrick DeRocco. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins that will truly miss him. Joe is predeceased by his grandparents, Vincent and Anna Bono, Frank and Louise Cassella, Netty DeRocco, Al Conte and cousin Erica Bono. A special thank you the Elite Fitness Concepts family who "pushed forward" to keep his dream going. To the Fab Five Family, Dr. Nick, Dr. J. Myers and Dr. Attinger, thank you for being Joe's "guardian angels." To the ICU and Medical Second Floor Nurses at INOVA Loudoun Hospital, thank you for the special care you gave Joe. We appreciate all the love and support that was given to the family. There will be no public visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, all are welcome to donate to the College Fund of his three children, The Cassella Childrens Education Trust, c/o Thomas Richardson, 555 12th St., NW, Washington, D.C., 20004, The Make-A-Wish Foundation (http://www.wish.org/), and/or The Miracle League (http://www.miracleleague.com/). All are welcome to attend mass Wednesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. at St. John's the Apostle Church in Leesburg, Va. Also, a memorial mass will be held 11a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2009 from Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort. Joe's absence is stronger than one's presence.