The friends and family of Joel Christopher Rebello of Oak Bluffs sadly announce that he died unexpectedly of heart disease on March 18. He was 33.

He was also known as Joelzy. He was born in Oak Bluffs on February 18, 1990. He graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in 2008, where he was a fierce hockey and baseball player. Joel was a natural athlete, tremendous competitor and gentle soul.

He will be remembered as a true Islander. Born and raised on the Vineyard, it is forever his home. Spending his days landscaping and doing construction, he was fortunate to see so much of the Island. While work days were busy and tiresome, he still managed to swing for the fences on the Hurricanes and Floaters, get in rounds of golf, fish the derby, get a good skate in at men’s league, or have good times with family and friends.

He was the perfect combination of rugged and sensitive. His contagious laugh and smile warmed the hearts of his family and friends. Taken too early, they find peace in knowing that Joel has joined his father Chris to watch over their beloved friends and family.

Joel is survived by his maternal grandmother Elizabeth Joyce Wadsworth; mother Lynn Rebello; brother and sister in law James and Tessa Rebello; sister and brother in law Ashley and Jared Andrews, and nephews Cooper, Colton, and niece Chloe Andrews. He is also survived by his uncle and aunt Todd and Mia Rebello, uncle and aunt Anthony and Graziella Rebello, aunt Robin Meader, uncle and aunt Tim and Carol Testerman, uncle and aunt Duke and Karen Marrs, uncle and aunt Earl and Michelle Wadsworth, and countless cousins and their children.

He was predeceased by his father Christopher Rebello, paternal grandparents Anthony and Marilyn Rebello, and maternal grandfather James Wadsworth.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 23 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations in Oak Bluffs from 5 to 8 p.m. A Catholic funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven. A celebration of life will follow at the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs, beginning at 12 p.m.