Ayares, Joseph Arthur

Joseph Arthur Ayares, a resident of Warm Hearth Village, Blacksburg, VA died September 28th at the age of 85 years. He was born in New Jersey on July 7, 1928 of the late Elsie and Arthur Ayares.

He was married for 58 years to Elizabeth and together they enjoyed a full and exciting life that combined a love of music, travel, cars and reading. A graduate of Rider College, he worked in news radio, then public relations for Allstate Insurance Company. He and his wife traveled the world, starting with family road trips throughout the U.S. and later visiting Europe, Asia, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. He loved playing the piano and shared his rich bass voice with barbershop choirs in New Jersey and Virginia.

Joe Ayares is survived by his children, Linda of New York City, Jay and his wife Jill of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and David and Terri Ayares of Blacksburg, VA. He has six grandchildren, three from Blacksburg – Alicia, married to Corey McCoy; Kaitlyn and Michael.; two from Illinois – Jenna, Jeremy and his wife Sashire; and Joshua and his wife Wyndham from Boston, MA. Joe also had six great-grandchildren: Aiden, Arlo, Hannah, Logan, Nyah and Seneca. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Mangano and her husband, Tony of Woolwich Township NJ.

The family wishes to convey their thanks to Brenda Roope, the wonderful people of Warm Hearth, and special thanks to his caretaker for the last 9 years, Linda Hypes.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 6:30-8:00pm at McCoy’s Funeral Home for those who wish to pay their respects to the family. May he rest in peace beside his wife Elizabeth Theresa Ayares.

Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.