Joseph G Cyphers

Joseph Gilbert Cyphers Sr., known affectionately to all as Joe and adoringly known as Papa by his grandchildren, embarked on his final adventure from Ocala, FL, on a day just as extraordinary as his life. Born on January 20, 1952, in Meriden, CT, Joe's journey through life was as vibrant and full of surprises as his unmistakable laugh. His wife of 23 years, Linda, was the heart of his world. Joe's legacy is carried on by his children Joseph Cyphers Jr., (Katy), Mandy Cyphers, and Angela Cyphers, as well as his bonus children Jennifer Dufour, Joseph Dufour, and Charles Dilaurenzio, whom he cherished as his own. His siblings, Allison Rand (Harvey) and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, will miss his larger-than-life presence, while his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will continue to be inspired by his stories. Joe was preceded in passing by his brothers, Carlton Cyphers, whose wife Linda remains to share his memory, and David Cyphers. He is also predeceased by his parents Carlton and Delores (DeSanto) Cyphers as well as his 1st wife, Vickie Cyphers, of 29 years and a great grand son, Cayson Spoor. Joe's life was a testament to the fact that formal education doesn't always correlate with wisdom. He traded high school textbooks for Army greens, earning the National Defense Service Medal before a service-related disability led him to a different kind of service. He opened a computer store with the kind of smarts that couldn't be taught, fixing computers with a magician's touch. Later, at Job Corps, he was the technology instructor who also managed a dorm with the same ease as debugging a hard drive. But it wasn't all work and no play for Joe. His interests were as diverse as his sense of humor—whether it was fishing, golfing, camping, conquering the latest video game, or riding his Harley, Joe did it with a smile that could light up a room. His love for the courtroom dramas of Judge Judy and Judge Mathis was matched only by his encyclopedic knowledge of every Perry Mason episode. Joe could have given the writers a run for their money with his spot-on predictions and play-by-play commentary. Funny and handy, Joe had a knack for turning every situation into a moment of joy. His life was an open book of jokes, and he had a punchline for every occasion. His approach to life was like his approach to fixing computers: diagnose the issue, have a good laugh about it, and get it sorted out. And just like the best comedians, he knew that timing was everything—whether it was the punchline to a joke or the moment he reconnected with Linda, his timing was impeccable. Joe's departure from this world is like the end of a great book—the lights dim, the laughter subsides, but the warmth lingers on. His was a life well-lived and a story well-told, with every anecdote a testament to his wit and charm. As we bid farewell to Joseph Gilbert Cyphers Sr., let's honor his memory by living life with a little more laughter, a touch more ingenuity, and a heart open to unexpected reunions. After all, as Joe would say, "Life's too important to be taken seriously."

Joseph G Cyphers

January 20, 1952 - July 20, 2025