Tony Marcello Relation to Deceased: Brother-in-law Good Morning, I am one of Joe’s brother-in-laws who is petrified of speaking in front of people. But when Kathy asked me to say a few words, there was no way I could say no. I’m sure if you asked different people what kind of man Joe was, you’d hear a lot of different things. I see Joe as a loving, caring person who would help out anybody at anytime. Any time someone in the family needed help, he was always there. And if you ever tried to pay him back, he would never accept anything. He loved the simple things in life. He never needed anything extravagant. Give Joe a pair of jeans and a colored tee-shirt and he was all set. He loved mom’s chicken soup. He loved any kind of sci-fi movie and couldn’t wait to get a call from Linda and Bob on the next Star Trek movie coming out. He loved going to the casino and, win or lose, he was ready to go back the next time. I had the privilege of being a witness at Joe & Kathy’s wedding. Back then we all thought they couldn’t have kids. I remember how excited he was when he found out Kathy was pregnant, and I remember how proud he was when his son was born. He’s always been proud of you Joey. And he never stopped showing you off. Joe was a great provider for his family. He was always there for all the kid’s. Even through all the tough times with kids growing up, he was always there. Now if you were an outsider and listened to Joe & Kathy talk, you would think they were worst enemies. That was just their relationship. We all knew they loved each other and would do anything for each other. He always boasted how he was mom’s favorite son-in-law. He even let us know that mom liked him more than Kathy. He always said how he was the only one who could handle Rick when he got upset at a job. He was probably right. Joe sometimes complained about his job, but he loved talking about it and had some very good friends there. We’ve found that out these last couple of days. Joe not only touched everyone in this family, but also a lot of people at work. Tom has been telling us about camping trips with Joe they had gone on years ago. About how Joe went camping, swimming, water skiing. I didn’t think we were talking about the same Joe. Joe hated camping. Every year when the family went camping all he would do was complain. But he always went because the family was there. And when he got there, he’d open up his truck and it would be packed. He’d have his TV, VCR, Fans, and enough food for a month. Joe loved being home. Whether it was playing cards or a holiday, he just loved being at his house. We didn’t know much about Joe’s family growing up, but when his sister Marilynn came back into town that made Joe so happy. He loved his sister, niece and nephew. Last year we started playing cards with Joe & Kathy. Every Friday night we’d go over there at 6:00. We had a riot, we laughed, got upset when we were losing, we called each other names, even cried. Every Friday night Joe would be sitting at table shuffling cards with a sci-fi movie on, just waiting for us. This year when it started to get nice out we started golfing before we played cards. The frustration that guy went thru. I could tell you stories about how Joe hit 4 trees in a row, on 4 consecutive shots, Kathy & Jackie crying because they were laughing so hard. Or how when one of us would hit a tree the ball would bounce in the middle of the fairway, but when Joe would hit a tree it would either bounce behind another tree or into some water. It seemed like Joe never got a good bounce. But every Friday when I’d leave work at 2:30 and go to his house to change, he was always there waiting to go. Kathy’s Dad joined us later in the season, but Sam had a hard time getting used to our rules. Since last week I’ve been thinking of something that I can’t get off my mind and I didn’t know why until now. Every Friday night, and I mean every single Friday night, we’d get home from golfing and we’d all be tired. I would sit in my chair, Kathy would sit in her chair, and Jackie would sit in her chair. But not Joe, he would be in the kitchen getting bowls out for the peanuts and m&m’s, and then he’d get the chips and dip. And he’d go to the cupboard and get a package of cookies out and put them on the table. Then he’d go to the fridge and get the frosted mugs out and pour everyone’s drink. And the whole time we’d be yelling at him “Hurry-up Joe – It’s your Deal” or “Hurry Joe – Do you pass or are you going to call 21”? The whole time he was just waiting on us. And then halfway thru the night Kathy would say “Joe, my sister is getting tired – where’s the Coffee”. I know why I can’t stop thinking of this, because that’s was Joe. That’s just who he was! We are all going to miss Joe very much, but are thankful for the great memories we all have with him! As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering ….. Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us ….. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgement, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.
Salvatore (Sam) Schifano Relation to Deceased: Brother I will truly miss you. Although we had grown apart over the years it was only in distance not in mind or spirt. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Rose Marie Starkey Calder (Gerone) Relation to Deceased: sister-in-law For the last several days, I have been looking at the pictures of Kathy and Joe when they first started dating and use to visit me on Rice Rd in Bloomfield. Our family is not the easiest to live with (just ask any of the brother-in-laws!!!). However Joe took the whole family in his stride and came out smile. That is one the of my favorite traits of Joe. His ability to be tolerate of others. I will miss him very much. And much, much love to Kathy, Jennifer, Melissa, Gary, Rocky, Gary Jr and the grandchildren and partners. We are much better people for knowing him.
Reid and Karen Taber Relation to Deceased: friend and co-worker You touched our hearts many years ago when we worked together at KADDIS Mfg. We will never forget how much you taught us. We will always remember your funny personality. God bless you and your family Joe. love you and we will see you on the other side Reid and Karen The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Jackie Marcello Relation to Deceased: Sister-in-law Joe, I was not finished telling you what I wanted to say to you! I thought we would have more Game Nights on Fridays! I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun. Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Gary and Wendy Distaffen Relation to Deceased: friends Dear Kathy and Kids, This saddens us deeply. We are very grateful to Joe that he was another father figure to all the Distaffen kids. With his easy-going demeanor, he was well-suited to have a “dozen” kids around. Please know that we care about you guys and what the future holds. We’re here to help. Love, Gary and Wendy I think no matter where you stray, That I shall go with you a way. Though you may wander sweeter lands, You will not forget my hands, Nor yet the way I held my head Nor the tremulous things I said. You will still see me, small and white And smiling, in the secret night, And feel my arms about you when The day comes fluttering back again. I think, no matter where you be, You’ll hold me in your memory And keep my image there without me, By telling later loves about me. Dorothy Parker
Bob White Relation to Deceased: Brother-in-law For all the years I knew Joe as one of the brothers-in-law to the Gerone sisters, I never felt close but always knew he was a guy that could be depended on. Joe was a quiet provider both for his immediate family and also for others in the extended family. He was a “steady Edie” that will be missed by all that were blessed with his presence. Does it swing to the left without control, Does it bend too far, never threatening the hole, A draw, then a hook, then a snap that’s no fun, But one thing’s for sure, you’ll get lots of run, Where will it go? Into trouble, usually, Then reload and fire, that’s 3 off the tee, 2 knuckles on the left, you should only show, In the fingers on the right, you’ll not let go.
Additional Tribute Link: http://youtu.be/-oedUYcwIuE
Tony Marcello Relation to Deceased: Brother-in-law Good Morning, I am one of Joe’s brother-in-laws who is petrified of speaking in front of people. But when Kathy asked me to say a few words, there was no way I could say no. I’m sure if you asked different people what kind of man Joe was, you’d hear a lot of different things. I see Joe as a loving, caring person who would help out anybody at anytime. Any time someone in the family needed help, he was always there. And if you ever tried to pay him back, he would never accept anything. He loved the simple things in life. He never needed anything extravagant. Give Joe a pair of jeans and a colored tee-shirt and he was all set. He loved mom’s chicken soup. He loved any kind of sci-fi movie and couldn’t wait to get a call from Linda and Bob on the next Star Trek movie coming out. He loved going to the casino and, win or lose, he was ready to go back the next time. I had the privilege of being a witness at Joe & Kathy’s wedding. Back then we all thought they couldn’t have kids. I remember how excited he was when he found out Kathy was pregnant, and I remember how proud he was when his son was born. He’s always been proud of you Joey. And he never stopped showing you off. Joe was a great provider for his family. He was always there for all the kid’s. Even through all the tough times with kids growing up, he was always there. Now if you were an outsider and listened to Joe & Kathy talk, you would think they were worst enemies. That was just their relationship. We all knew they loved each other and would do anything for each other. He always boasted how he was mom’s favorite son-in-law. He even let us know that mom liked him more than Kathy. He always said how he was the only one who could handle Rick when he got upset at a job. He was probably right. Joe sometimes complained about his job, but he loved talking about it and had some very good friends there. We’ve found that out these last couple of days. Joe not only touched everyone in this family, but also a lot of people at work. Tom has been telling us about camping trips with Joe they had gone on years ago. About how Joe went camping, swimming, water skiing. I didn’t think we were talking about the same Joe. Joe hated camping. Every year when the family went camping all he would do was complain. But he always went because the family was there. And when he got there, he’d open up his truck and it would be packed. He’d have his TV, VCR, Fans, and enough food for a month. Joe loved being home. Whether it was playing cards or a holiday, he just loved being at his house. We didn’t know much about Joe’s family growing up, but when his sister Marilynn came back into town that made Joe so happy. He loved his sister, niece and nephew. Last year we started playing cards with Joe & Kathy. Every Friday night we’d go over there at 6:00. We had a riot, we laughed, got upset when we were losing, we called each other names, even cried. Every Friday night Joe would be sitting at table shuffling cards with a sci-fi movie on, just waiting for us. This year when it started to get nice out we started golfing before we played cards. The frustration that guy went thru. I could tell you stories about how Joe hit 4 trees in a row, on 4 consecutive shots, Kathy & Jackie crying because they were laughing so hard. Or how when one of us would hit a tree the ball would bounce in the middle of the fairway, but when Joe would hit a tree it would either bounce behind another tree or into some water. It seemed like Joe never got a good bounce. But every Friday when I’d leave work at 2:30 and go to his house to change, he was always there waiting to go. Kathy’s Dad joined us later in the season, but Sam had a hard time getting used to our rules. Since last week I’ve been thinking of something that I can’t get off my mind and I didn’t know why until now. Every Friday night, and I mean every single Friday night, we’d get home from golfing and we’d all be tired. I would sit in my chair, Kathy would sit in her chair, and Jackie would sit in her chair. But not Joe, he would be in the kitchen getting bowls out for the peanuts and m&m’s, and then he’d get the chips and dip. And he’d go to the cupboard and get a package of cookies out and put them on the table. Then he’d go to the fridge and get the frosted mugs out and pour everyone’s drink. And the whole time we’d be yelling at him “Hurry-up Joe – It’s your Deal” or “Hurry Joe – Do you pass or are you going to call 21”? The whole time he was just waiting on us. And then halfway thru the night Kathy would say “Joe, my sister is getting tired – where’s the Coffee”. I know why I can’t stop thinking of this, because that’s was Joe. That’s just who he was! We are all going to miss Joe very much, but are thankful for the great memories we all have with him! As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering ….. Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us ….. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgement, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.
Salvatore (Sam) Schifano Relation to Deceased: Brother I will truly miss you. Although we had grown apart over the years it was only in distance not in mind or spirt. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Rose Marie Starkey Calder (Gerone) Relation to Deceased: sister-in-law For the last several days, I have been looking at the pictures of Kathy and Joe when they first started dating and use to visit me on Rice Rd in Bloomfield. Our family is not the easiest to live with (just ask any of the brother-in-laws!!!). However Joe took the whole family in his stride and came out smile. That is one the of my favorite traits of Joe. His ability to be tolerate of others. I will miss him very much. And much, much love to Kathy, Jennifer, Melissa, Gary, Rocky, Gary Jr and the grandchildren and partners. We are much better people for knowing him.
Reid and Karen Taber Relation to Deceased: friend and co-worker You touched our hearts many years ago when we worked together at KADDIS Mfg. We will never forget how much you taught us. We will always remember your funny personality. God bless you and your family Joe. love you and we will see you on the other side Reid and Karen The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Jackie Marcello Relation to Deceased: Sister-in-law Joe, I was not finished telling you what I wanted to say to you! I thought we would have more Game Nights on Fridays! I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun. Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Gary and Wendy Distaffen Relation to Deceased: friends Dear Kathy and Kids, This saddens us deeply. We are very grateful to Joe that he was another father figure to all the Distaffen kids. With his easy-going demeanor, he was well-suited to have a “dozen” kids around. Please know that we care about you guys and what the future holds. We’re here to help. Love, Gary and Wendy I think no matter where you stray, That I shall go with you a way. Though you may wander sweeter lands, You will not forget my hands, Nor yet the way I held my head Nor the tremulous things I said. You will still see me, small and white And smiling, in the secret night, And feel my arms about you when The day comes fluttering back again. I think, no matter where you be, You’ll hold me in your memory And keep my image there without me, By telling later loves about me. Dorothy Parker
Bob White Relation to Deceased: Brother-in-law For all the years I knew Joe as one of the brothers-in-law to the Gerone sisters, I never felt close but always knew he was a guy that could be depended on. Joe was a quiet provider both for his immediate family and also for others in the extended family. He was a “steady Edie” that will be missed by all that were blessed with his presence. Does it swing to the left without control, Does it bend too far, never threatening the hole, A draw, then a hook, then a snap that’s no fun, But one thing’s for sure, you’ll get lots of run, Where will it go? Into trouble, usually, Then reload and fire, that’s 3 off the tee, 2 knuckles on the left, you should only show, In the fingers on the right, you’ll not let go.