Joseph Walter Gliva, 72, of The Villages. Florida, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026 following a recurring brief illness. A loving husband, devoted father, and the life of every party, Joe leaves behind a legacy of generosity, warmth and infectious spirit that touched everyone fortunate to know him.

Joe was born on May 31, 1953 in Camden New Jersey, to the late Joseph and Helen Gliva. Growing up in South Jersey, he developed the grit, humor and work ethic that would define the rest of his life. Following graduation from Gloucester Catholic High School, Joe attended both LaSalle University and Drexel University before leaving to pursue what would become a remarkable career in banking and technology. That decision to leave school never sat entirely right with Joe though. In 2008, he enrolled at St. Joseph’s University, where he proudly earned his degree in Business and Finance nine years later.

Joe began his career in 1977 at Philadelphia National Bank as an IT professional, and over the next four decades became a legend in international payment systems. He loved to joke that he worked for five different banks (PNB, CoreStates, First Union, Wachovia and Wells Fargo), and never once left his office. His expertise earned him the affectionate industry nickname “Elvis Payments.” After retiring from Wells Fargo in 2018, Joe returned as a part-time consultant over five years ago, unable to step away from the work and the people that he loved.

Joe was the quintessential provider: kind, hard-working and generous to all. He was quite proud of this three sons and threw himself wholeheartedly into supporting their athletic and artistic endeavors, volunteering as a Little League coach and serving as an enthusiastic patron of their performing arts. He was an active and charitable member of his community, always willing to give his time and energy to those around him.

Despite a few medical challenges, Joe lived with remarkable fullness and joy. During his semi-retirement in The Villages, he enjoyed an avid social life filled with wining and dining, dancing at the square, golf, world travel and summers spent at the Jersey Shore with the people he loved most. Yet his favorite role came later in life, when his granddaughter Willow affectionately named him “Bop,” a title he wore more proudly than any other.

Joe is survived by his wife Denise (nee Panella) with whom he shared 45 years of marriage and built a lifetime of cherished memories. Loving father of Christopher, Matthew and Michael, his daughter-in-law Krystal (nee Filsinger) and his cherished granddaughter Willow. He is also survived by his sisters Deborah Ann Gliva and Angel McDermott (Mark) and brother Stephen Gliva (Lori), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Helen (nee Saccomanno) Gliva.

A life well lived and deeply felt, Joe will be remembered fondly by many friends and family for the laughter he brought, the love he shared freely and his unconditional generosity.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, May 23 at 11:00am. A 1pm luncheon will follow at Arnold Palmer Legends. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s honor to Hillsborough Recovery Coalition (2010 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa FL 33602) or online at hillsboroughrecoverycoalition.org/donate/.

A Celebration of Life will also be held in New Jersey on August 2 at noon at Tavistock Country Club in Haddonfield. Further details to follow.