Joseph “Joe” John Vidulich, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the age of 74.

Joe was born on December 2, 1950, in Long Beach, New York. He spent his early years there until moving to Rivera Beach, Florida in 1959. His family lived on the water across from Peanut Island. He and his older brother Richie, loved to ride their bikes to the Palm Beach Inlet to snorkel. He always had a passion for the outdoors, traveling, sports, music, sailing and meteorology.
Joe attended Palm Beach Community College where he earned his Associate in arts degree. He worked as an On-Air Weather Broadcaster at WPOM Radio 1600 where he prepared and delivered daily weather shows on the first all-news radio station in Palm Beach County. Joe then went to work for NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center as a Meteorological Science Technician in Miami. Afterwards, he worked for the NOAA National Weather Service at the Palm Beach International Airport as a Meteorological Technician. At the age of 27, he observed the first snowfall while working the midnight shift. This was something he was always very proud of.

Joe married his wife, Faye on March 4, 1978. They had two children, Joseph and Cindy and raised them in Port St. Lucie. He joined his father, Anthony and good friend Otto painting houses in Palm Beach for many years. One of Joe’s favorite places to travel to with his family was Eagle River, Wisconsin for the winter. Cross country skiing through Nicolet Forest and feeding the chickadees were Joe’s favorites.

In 1994, Joe and his family moved to Port Charlotte to be closer to his father on the west coast of Florida. He became fascinated with the Florida Scrub Jay and was determined to save these beautiful birds from extinction. Joe accomplished this when Charlotte County acquired significant areas of land around the county and made them into an Environmental Preserve with his help. After many years of painting houses on his own and working in sales, Joe eventually started his own successful business in 2001 called JV Environmental as an Environmental Consultant. He worked as an Environmental Consultant up until his passing. Joe was a nature enthusiast and enjoyed being one with all animals such as birds, rabbits, raccoons etc. Whenever you could not find Joe, you knew he was in the woods. He loved exploring the trails at Tippecanoe Environmental Park and spending time with Scrub Jays.

Joe had a passion for living and always fought for the things he believed in. He wasn’t afraid to express his opinion to anyone. He was a very hard worker his whole life and helped anyone who needed it. Joe was devoted to his wife, two children, six grandchildren and pets: dog Chloe and cockatiels Alphie & Diego.

Joe is preceded in death by his father Anthony Vidulich, and his mother Mary Vidulich, and is survived by his wife of 46 years, Faye Vidulich, son Joseph (Aria) Vidulich, grandchildren
Eliana and Anthony; daughter Cynthia (Nick) Prentzel and grandchildren Ryan, Hailey, Courtney and Matthew. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Lynn) Vidulich, nephew Chris Vidulich, niece Kelley (Stephen) Eubank and family.

He will be greatly missed by everyone for his smile, jokes, wit, strong-willed personality, determination, dedication and strength. We know you are flying around with your scrub jays and being comforted by your mom, dad, and dogs Rocky & Clancy. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished in your life. We will always love you and never forget you. Fly High Dad!

A Memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held 2Pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Roberson Funeral Home located at 2151 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, Florida.  All are invited to join with the Vidulich family to remember Joe.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangement by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.