Joseph E. Vryhof, Sr.

The world lost one hell of a man. Joseph E. Vryhof, Sr., 77, passed away on April 30, 2025—leaving behind a legacy built on hard work, loud laughs, deep loyalty, and a heart bigger than most people could imagine.

Joe could party harder than anyone. He swore with style, worked with pride, and loved with a quiet depth that stuck with you. He cried at movies he called “cute,” never missed a moment to support the people he loved, and was a father figure to more people than we could count.

A proud Navy veteran, Joe dedicated years after his service to mentoring youth through the Sea Cadet Program, helping shape lives with a steady hand, sharp humor, and no-nonsense wisdom. He was the kind of guy who gave advice with a beer in hand and made you feel like you mattered.

Joe is survived by his long-time girlfriend of 18 years, Rene Redhead, who lovingly cared for him and shared a life filled with camping trips, game nights, and laughter.

Joe was a busy man and had many children:
• Joseph “Jed” Vryhof Jr. of Brewerton, NY and his children Spencer, Leona, and Jordan
• Amos (Rachel) Vryhof of Cicero, NY and their children Hunter, Veronica and Kaiya
• Carrie (Andrew) Mangino of Adams, NY and their children Sofia, Dominic, Francesca, and Anthony
• Justin (Sophie) Ventura of Vancouver, WA and their son Bison
• Adam (Christa) Vryhof of Cato, NY and their children Annily, Oliver, and Jovie
• Diana Vryhof of Pulaski, NY and her children Sylas, Aradia, Brianna, and Shania
• Jarred Vryhof of Syracuse, NY, and his loyal dog Skeeter

He is also survived by his brothers—Steve, Robert (Carol), and Alan (Laura)—as well as his sister, Judy (Dan) Bigness; and step-sons, Eric Redhead, Sr. and his son, Eric Redhead Jr., and Joshua Redhead, Sr., and his children, Caitlyn, Joshua, Jr., and Antonia.

Joe’s absence will be loud—but his legacy is louder. His stories, his strength, his laugh, and the way he made people feel like they belonged—that’s what we’ll carry forward.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date (TBD). In true Joe fashion, come as you are—but if you’ve got a pair of jeans and a wild story, you’ll fit right in.

And as Joe would say:
“Here’s to you, here’s to me. May we never disagree. But if we do—f*ck you, here’s to me.”