Some recollections from Irene, Joe's sister

Spoken at Joe's memorial service:

I have such fond memories of my brother since I was a little girl. I still have letters he wrote to me when he was serving in Korea. He would write & tease me about boyfriends.

One significant memory was when my mother and I went to visit Clarice and Joe’s new baby girl, Julie for the first time. She was beautiful and I was overwhelmed when Clarice asked me if I wanted to hold her. Joe was just beaming and it was obvious he already thought the sun rose and set on her.

I feel so blessed to have lived next to him for several years. Joe and I had many memorable talks and visits together. When Sandy came the three of us shared some great times. One of those was an afternoon last January. The three of us went to Anthony’s at the Harbor for Sandy’s birthday (which just happens to be today) it was their favorite place to go for lunch and I was honored to be invited to join them on that special day. I was frequently invited to join them here at the Club on Fridays for the buffet or Wednesdays for prime rib. Joe used to get such a kick out of how much tiny little Sandy could eat at those buffets. She always had room for 2-3 desserts no matter what.

Joe loved to tease Sandy about anything. (She was an easy target and such a good sport.) They were so cute together. He taught her to play Snooker and Briscola (an Italian card game). They always had a bet on either game. It was usually a dollar and sometimes even breakfast or lunch. Joe was impressed on how competent she was at both.

Mimi and Rocco will always remember their Uncle Joe. He derived such pleasure from them since they were babies. He always came over to enjoy them when they were with me. Mimi and Rocco spent a lot of time in the garage with Uncle Joe cracking macadamia nuts. Rocco and Uncle Joe enjoyed building things together. One of their first projects was a tiny bunk bed which Rocco designed for his stuffed bear Patrick. It even has a tiny ladder. Rocco was in awe of all the tools Uncle Joe had. He said his daddy goes to work, but Uncle Joe was a REAL WORKER man because he could fix or make anything. They both have a very special helicopter that Joe made for them which I’m certain they will treasure more as the years go by.

He loved going with Sandy to visit her little nephew Connor. Joe said he was too beautiful to be a boy and was convinced he was the smartest little guy he knew.

Fortunately, my four children, six grandchildren and great granddaughter were here this past Thanksgiving which we spent at Brad and Kahle’s along with Joe, Julie , Zach, Katie, Ann and Vic(Brad's mom & dad). We had not all been together for a few years. It was a blessing that they all got to see their Uncle Joe.

Joe was my big brother, very special and dear to me, but more than that he was truly the Patriarch of our large family. Joe was so loved and respected by our entire family that he was actually on a pedestal in our eyes.

It’s hard to image our world without him, but he was so sad and lonely since he lost Sandy in June. Each day seemed more and more difficult for him. Therefore, we must all take comfort in knowing our beloved Joe is exactly where he wants to be.