Stevenson Ranch, CA — Joel Evaristo—loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend—passed away on September 10, 2025 from cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). He was 54 years old.

Joel was the heart of his family, a man whose love filled every room he entered. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and devotion.

Joel was born in Marikina, Philippines, in 1971. His family moved to Elmhurst, NY when he was three years old. Joel graduated from Francis Lewis High School in Queens, NY in 1989, and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Hofstra University in 1993.

New York shaped who he was and where he built countless memories in the four decades he lived there—meeting his wife and raising their two children—before the family relocated to Southern California. Even after making a new home on the West Coast, Joel never lost his love for the New York Giants and the New York Yankees—teams he cheered for with unwavering loyalty, no matter the distance.

To some, Joel may have seemed quiet—a man of few words. But when he spoke, his words carried weight, always filled with thoughtfulness, humor, or love. He often reminded his family to keep their “head on a swivel” and believed that “a job is something you should love”—lessons that will continue to guide his family for the rest of their lives.

Above all, Joel was a loving and protective husband and father. He shared an unshakable bond with his wife and was a proud, doting dad to his children, who were his greatest joy. His happiest moments were the everyday ones: watching a game, spending time with his family, and making everyone laugh with his quick wit and big heart.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Ellen; their children, Ethan and Emma; his younger brother, Jason, sister-in-law, Sabrina, and their children, Nicholas, Matthew, and Isabella; and his parents, Jose and Filipinas Evaristo.

Joel’s presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the love he gave and the memories his family and friends carry forward.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 10, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Kateri Parish, 22508 Copper Hill Drive, Santa Clarita, CA. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Joel’s name can do so at the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (https://give.cholangiocarcinoma.org/Joel-Evaristo)