Joseph Dale lantier, Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Joseph Dale Lantier Sr., of Athens, GA, who left us at the age of 73 on January 24, 2025. Dad was born on May 26, 1951, in Alexandria Bay, NY, to the late Madeline Lantier and Ralph Lantier Sr. He was one of nine siblings.

Dad spent his childhood and part of his adult life in central New Jersey until relocating to Antwerp, NY, in 1997. He called Athens, GA, his home for the last four and a half years.

Our father is survived by his son, Joseph Lantier Jr., and his wife, Vanessa; his daughter, Jennifer Small; and grandson, Pierce Small, along with his extended family and many friends.

Dad was an easygoing, happy-go-lucky spirit. He was a great listener, deeply proud of his Christian faith, and would genuinely give you the shirt off his back. He loved music, cooking, gardening, woodworking, and sunshine. Our home was filled with the sound of Skeeter Davis's hits and the delightful scent of his famous Dutch apple pie.

Most memorably, Dad was a quiet character with a kind smile who loved to laugh. As we remember our father, "Big Joe," we will always cherish how he approached life with positivity and appreciation for the little things. He often reminded us that our time here was too short and encouraged us never to sweat the small stuff.

As we reflect on our father's passing, we find great comfort in knowing that after many years apart, he was welcomed into heaven by his baby girl, Valerie Lynn Lantier. Following our father's final wishes, he was to be cremated, and a casting ceremony will take place in upstate New York with his loved ones.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts."