Joseph "Joe" Martin DeBellis

Joseph “Joe” “Joey” Martin DeBellis

November 7, 1944 - July 28, 2025

They say the hardest part of losing someone you love is losing what was and the possibility of what could be. The unexpected nature of life never being the same. That’s certainly the case for those who knew and loved Joe DeBellis. Following an aggressive and unexpected illness that seemed to come out of thin air, Joe passed away peacefully at his home in Chapin, SC. The presence of God was known to both Teri and Joe in his final hours, as his hand held by Teri was transferred to the hand of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Joe is survived by his wife and best friend of nearly 60 years, Teri Lee (Evans) DeBellis; their three sons: Todd (Melody), Doug, and Jeff (Tisha); five grandchildren: Evan, Kaitie, Zach, Jeffrey, and Jack; siblings: Carolyn (Mike), Rick, and his sister-in-law Marie; and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alma (Reynolds) DeBellis, his brother Bobby, brother-in-law Greg, and sister-in-law Jill.

A beacon of love and support, Joe will be remembered as the most kind and thoughtful man who was always “others-oriented” – an incomparable gift giver, a masterful bargain shopper, and a renowned banana bread maker. His generosity was matched only by the warmth he extended to friends and family alike, always going the extra mile to make people feel loved and respected. He loved opening up his home where he, with his wife Teri, were gifted with hospitality and made sure all who entered experienced God’s love, laughter, comfort, and tranquility. He was infamous for his well-stocked cupboards ready to provide for anyone in need (or even just the kids and grandkids who always had some kind of want.) Everyone knew when they were with Joe, everything would be taken care of. The first one ready no matter the occasion and always dressed to the nines, he was a man with a plan.

He took great pride in his career where he was known for his leadership, dedication, and work ethic – characteristics his siblings recall from his days as a Boy Scout growing up in Columbus, Ohio, earning more merit badges than they could comprehend. These noteworthy and selfless achievements carried into adulthood. So much so that in his final days, he was visited by several colleagues from Total Comfort who shared stories about the customers who still rave about him and those who debated switching companies when they learned of his retirement. They even made a “Salesman of the Year” trophy in honor of him, which would be given to those who came after him.

It’s hard to imagine the world without Joe’s “just because” packages or his daily phone calls to family to discuss important topics like weather, weekly deals and savings opportunities, the grandkid’s sporting events, church dinner group menus, or how to perform home repairs. No need to reach out to the nearest smart device for answers. We always asked “Poppy.”

We shall cherish our memories for the rest of our lives. His kindness and unwavering devotion leave a legacy in the hearts of all who knew him with an intangible hole we will now fill with our precious memories. We rejoice in our sorrow knowing that just as Jesus died and rose again, God has brought Joe to live in total peace and healing with him forever.

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. at Chapin Presbyterian Church, 600 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC 29036, with a memorial service to follow from 11:00 – noon.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Lifeline Children’s Services Adoption Agency, 1612 Marion St. Ste. 210, Columbia, SC 29201.