Joe Balducci

Joe Balducci, Jr., age 82, of Cleveland, MS, peacefully passed away at his home on August 14, 2025.A visitation in honor of Joe's life will take place on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Cleveland Funeral Home. Interment will be held at New Cleveland Cemetery, with Tommy Naron officiating.

Born on December 13, 1942, in Cleveland, MS, Joe was the son of Joe Balducci, Sr. and Josephine Rizzo McAllister. He completed his education at Cleveland High School and earned an Associate's degree in Electronic Technology from Mississippi Delta Community College. Joe honorably served his country in the Navy for four years. After his military service, he worked with the Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, MS, before returning home to Cleveland. There, he channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into owning and operating The Sportsman’s Center, then Lafayette Electronics. He later joined Baxter Laboratories, where he worked as an electrician for 20 years before retiring. Known for his creativity and inventiveness, Joe held several patents and enjoyed spending time tinkering around the house.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Balducci, Sr., and Josephine Rizzo McAllister.

He is survived by his son, Michael Balducci of Arab, AL, and his children, Drew Balducci and Alex Balducci; daughter, Melinda (Rob) B. Upshur of Stoneville, MS, and their children, Amanda (Mark) Wooley, Willow Upshur, and Lana Upshur; and great-grandchildren, Ava Wooley and Libby Wooley.

Pallbearers for the service will include Mark Wooley, Joseph Smith, Bo Ray, Bob Upshur, Joseph Brackin, and Curtis Sullivan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Cleveland Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements for Joe Balducci, Jr.