Mr. Joseph D. “Joe” DeJohn, age 28, died on Sunday morning, November 20, 2016, in the privacy of his home, after losing his long-fought battle with addiction. Joseph was born on December 10, 1987, the son of Joseph DeJohn and Denise (Calhoun) VanGerner. He was raised and educated in Frankfort, graduating with the Frankfort-Schuyler Class of 2006. “DeCon” was very much looking forward to celebrating his 10-year high school reunion this weekend, and his presence will be dearly missed by his classmates and friends. After completion of his education, Joe proudly joined the Army National Guard. He graduated from the Fort Jackson Military Academy in 2007 and went on to receive his culinary training at Fort Lee. Joe spent his career in the food industry and he had a passion for cooking; in fact, the high point of his happiness in life came from his time as a cook with the former 257 Steakhouse in Utica. He had aspirations of one day owning his own restaurant and sharing his talents with the world. A true athlete, Joe was involved with various sports throughout high school. He played football, baseball and was an incredibly talented bowler; forming bonds with his teammates that he cherished forever. As he got older, he enjoyed his Fantasy Football League and testing his luck at scratch-off tickets. He was a past member of the St. Francis di Paola Society and a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort. Joe will be remembered for his lovable demeanor, his smirk and his one-of-a-kind giggle. He was the first to make someone laugh and his sweet, kind-hearted ways truly brought joy to those around him. He was a true animal lover, rescuing his best friend and canine companion, Bella, from the Humane Society. The two shared an amazing bond, and she stood by his side until the very end. Joe will be dearly missed by his father, Joseph DeJohn and fiancé, Corey Fellone of Frankfort; his mother and stepfather, Denise and Jan VanGerner of Utica; his twin sister, Jessica DeJohn of Utica; his brother, Sean Fiore and girlfriend, Aude Jeannot of Vermont; his stepbrother, Kamren Louis of Frankfort; his beloved infant nephew, Andrew Sutherland, who brought incredible happiness to Joe’s last few months of life; his paternal grandmother, Cecilia DeJohn of Ilion; his maternal grandparents, John, Sr. and Dorothy Calhoun of Utica; his aunt, Jackie DeJohn of Frankfort; his uncles, John Calhoun and Daniel Calhoun of Utica; his many cousins; as well as his canine companion, Bella, and canine friends, Rowan and Munford. He also leaves many incredible friendships that he made throughout his life, with special mention of Frank Bianchi, for his constant help, support and encouragement. Joseph was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Francis “Bucky” DeJohn. It is with great sorrow and broken hearts that Joe’s family must say goodbye to him; his addiction to drugs ultimately ended his life and took him away from those who loved him most. If you or someone you love is fighting addiction, please get the help that is needed before it is too late. It is their hope that in sharing Joe’s story with the world, it might help save another’s life. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Joe’s visitation, which will be held on Friday, November 25, 2016, from 3:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Please consider memorial contributions to Joe's family to help offset his funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Joe’s funeral service will commence on Saturday morning, November 26, 2016, at 9:15AM from the chapel of the funeral home and at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery where Joseph’s body will be laid to rest. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Joe’s lifelong friend, Martin L. Ciaccia, and Harry and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home.