Joe V. Liu

Worcester – Joe V. Liu, 94, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Monday, June 29, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born in Burma (Myanmar), the beloved son of the late Kyi Soon Liu and Tam Shee (Tam) Liu.

Joe emigrated to the United States in 1979 and began working at the former Ken Chin Restaurant on Mill Street in Worcester. Using his outgoing personality and quick wit he built a successful career as a host and bartender at several Worcester restaurants. He proudly became a United States citizen in December 1988 and developed a deep appreciation for the opportunities and lifestyle that living in America afforded him and his family.

Family was especially important to Joe. He married his beloved, the late Bernadette “Angie” Emmanuel in 1957 and the couple remained in Worcester where they raised their children and shared 65 years of marriage until Angie’s death in 2022. Joe was an avid sports fan and especially loved the Boston Celtics. He enjoyed simple pleasures in life, watching American television (Fox News and Newsmax in particular) and sipping on a Bud Light. He will be remembered for his work ethic, gregarious nature, sharp intuition and resourcefulness and his devotion to his family.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Bernadette “Angie” (Emmanuel) Liu in 2022. He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his sons, Basil Liu and his children, Lisa, Anthony and Brianna of Worcester and Michael Liu of Worcester; his daughters, Christine Callender and her husband, Travor and their children, Travor Jr. and Jacqueline Castaneda of Georgia; Julie Russo and her children, Michael Meagher and Brittney Childs of Worcester and Helena Lewis and her husband, Geoffrey and their son, Logan of Worcester; his brother, Cho Pay Liu and his wife, Kwoon Hai (Hong) of Worcester; three great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Joe was also predeceased by his daughter, Maria Liu in 2025.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation time between 9 and 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln St., Worcester, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church 228 Lincoln St., Worcester. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery, 119 Webster St., Worcester, MA 01603. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Bernard’s Church, 228 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA 01605.