Obituary

Joseph (Joe) Patrick Bambery, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away much too soon on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.Joe is predeceased by his father, Colonel James Richard Bambery, and mother, Shirley Elizabeth Ann Bambery (nee Whalen), of Alexandria Virginia. Joe is survived by the love of his life and wife of 26 years, Sue Martin Bambery, and was the most loving father to his son and daughter, Joseph and Caitlin Bambery. He is also survived by his brother Jim Bambery, his three sisters and brother in laws: Mary and Blake Peck, Julie and Bill Yoegel, Margy and Rick Jahn; his Fatherand Mother-in-law Thomas and Ellen Martin, his sister-in-law and her husband, Robin (nee Martin) and Gary Howorka and brother in law, David Martin. "Uncle Joe" was a true family man and best uncle to all his many nieces and nephews and their growing families.Joe was born on the US Army Base in Stuttgart, Germany on June 14, 1966, and moved with his family for several of his father's assignments before settling in Northern Virginia where he spent the majority of his childhood years near Mount Vernon. He graduated from Fort Hunt High school (1984) where he was very active in the Choral Department as a member of the Madrigal Singers and had the leading role as "Conrad Birdie" in their production of "Bye Bye Birdie". Joe attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he studied Business/Accounting and was a member of the Lambda Chi Fraternity.Joe began his accounting career in Alexandria, Virginia, but his affinity for food and people took him back to Norfolk where he spent many years as a restaurateur in the "Local's Locale" O'Sullivan's Wharf on Colley Avenue. There it was his passion to bring people together to enjoy good food, music, and company. The kindness and generosity Joe showed over the years made him a pillar of his community. Joe's expertise and connection with people in the hospitality business led him to his most recent venture as a sales consultant for Yellow Dog Software.Joe became a member of the Tidewater Boat club in 2003 where he later served as Commodore for seven years. He was also a member of the Police Emerald Society of Tidewater which supports all law enforcement and their families and was a strong advocate of local military families through the Wounded Warrior Program and the Navy Seal Foundation. Most recently, Joe was named an Honorary Deputy Sheriff of the Norfolk Sheriff's Department. Joe will always be remembered as "the nicest guy in the world." He was the most positive, passionate, and generous man the consummate host and "life of the party" who touched and will be missed by so many. In honor of Joe, a Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, June 17th at the Church of St. Therese, Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Network. www.pancan.org/donate