The outpouring of love and care and prayers is overwhelming. I am so blessed by your kind words, good advice, and love. Thank you. I am humbled.
I am working on a list of things that have to be done and getting the obituary done was at the top of the list. I will copy it below so you have the service information if you want to peek at the live-streamed service.
Thank you again for your love and prayers!
I tried to describe Joe and honor him...
Joseph (Joe) Nicholas D’Orsaneo, 83, passed away at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and walked into the arms of Jesus on February 16, 2021, after a short and devastating battle with COVID-19.
Joe was born on September 5, 1937, to Nicola D’Orsaneo and
Julia (DiJoseph) D’Orsaneo, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Joe graduated from Norristown High School in
1955, and from Villanova University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Economics. Joe was a Veteran of the
U.S. Army Reserves and trained with I Company of the 3rd Training
Regiment at Ft. Dix, NJ.
Joe moved to Lakeland, Florida, in 1989, with his wife,
Terri, and had his own accounting firm, Joseph N. D’Orsaneo, CPA. He was proud to have served as the President
of the Polk County Chapter, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants,
in 2004 – 2005.
Those who knew Joe knew laughter. He told silly jokes, made silly comments, and
always had a silly come-back, at which he always laughed the loudest. He loved
making people laugh and it was usually at his own silly self. He loved his family fiercely and was a loyal
friend. Joe never knew a stranger. He
was kind, smart, and always a gentleman. Joe also loved his Philadelphia sports
teams and could usually be found in front of the TV watching his beloved
Eagles, Flyers, Phillies, and the Villanova men’s basketball team. He took losses personally, as most Philly
fans do.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife and
mother of his sons, Loretta (Del Gesse), his younger brother, Nicholas
D’Orsaneo, and grandson, Steve Immendorf.
Surviving Joe are his wife of 35 years, Terri, sons, Joseph
(Darlene) D’Orsaneo, Jeffrey (Kali) D’Orsaneo, his brother, Louis D’Orsaneo,
grandchildren, Lauren D’Orsaneo, Tristan D’Orsaneo, Rita Immendorf, and many
nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all loved and cherished by him more than
they could know.
A socially distanced (masks please) memorial service will be
held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA), Lakeland, Florida, on Thursday, March
4, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. It will also be
live-streamed on the Redeemer Presbyterian Church’s Facebook Page for those who
aren’t able to attend. Visit https://www.facebook.com/redeemerlakeland a few minutes before the service will begin.
Joe’s ashes will be interred at Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Garden at
a later date.
Oh Terri - this is beautiful. I think you did an awesome job for him - quite honorable and heartwarming. I don't think you expected this at all when you took Joe in. He had had the vaccine and all. I know you are in shock as I am too. It was so wonderful meeting you both - he had a wonderful sense of humor - you both are good people. I am so sorry and my thoughts and prayers go with you. Sandie
ReplyDeleteYou did a marvelous job of honoring him. Well done dear friend. Again, wrapping you in prayer. May Jesus cradle you now and always. Please let me / us know if we can help in any way. Mean that. Sending love and prayers. xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful obituary, Terri. My heart is hurting for you, and I am praying for God's peace and comfort for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Patti
You did a wonderful job with honoring him. I am so sorry. There are just no words. Lots of prayers for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful obituary. You always honored him in life, you've done it in his passing as well. I loved reading about his sense of humor. I knew that about him because of what you've written in the past and also because I don't think I ever saw him without that big smile on his face. I wish I could have met him in person because I know I would have loved him.
ReplyDeleteOh Terri, this is so beautifully written. Yes, it certainly honors a very special and wonderful man. I wish we had gotten to know him better, but I feel like I know him from your wonderful stories about him and the things you have done together. What a blessing for you to have shared life with him and sons and family. You are so very much on my heart and mind these days. Praying God will continue to cover you with His love and grace and comfort , and carry you through the rough places. God bless you my friend. (((hugs))))
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute to Joe....hugs and prayers Terri.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Joe. You did a wonderful job writing it, Terri. I especially like the idea of him "walking into the arms of Jesus." What a comforting thought! I wish I'd had the chance to meet Joe, but I've always been able to tell he was something special just from the way you wrote about him. I am glad you had him in your life. Praying God enfolds you beneath His wings in the coming days and keeps you in peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice tribute to your husband. God bless you and fill you with peace as you grieve him.
ReplyDeleteYou are loved and so was Joe.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself.
Beautifully-written obituary, Terri, for a wonderful man.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely written. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteVery nice tribute. *hug*
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing obituary you have written for Joe, Terri. I know this wasn't easy for you in the least, but your tribute to your wonderful husband is stellar. May God continue to comfort you and give you His peace.
ReplyDeleteMust confess, I first saw this out on the funeral home site -- and when I got to the part about laughter and silliness, realized "That's Terri's voice!" Beautiful. No doubt, all your organizational skills and inner resources are being called to the front these days, but please be gentle with yourself.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I'm so very sorry to learn of Joe's passing. My dear friend, words are few that can describe how sorry we are. Know our prayers and thoughts are with you now and always. I know Joe's spirit in Heaven is very proud of your tribute to his life and love. God Bless, sweet girl. I'll call you later....and you have my number if you want to talk. All our love.
ReplyDeleteOh, Terri- I just saw this. I am so so very sorry. My heart aches for you- I know that you were two peas in a pod and enjoyed your life together. I am praying for you as you walk this new path laid before you now. I know that you have faith and that will make it easier but it is also a hard thing to endure. Take time for you and grieve as long as you must. God bless you- Diana
ReplyDeleteTerri... My heart breaks for you. I loved reading about all your adventures and all the laughs you shared. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Xx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this. My hearts goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteJanice
Terri,
ReplyDeleteOh, my heart aches for you so much! We will keep you in prayer, dear friend. God will carry you through this and I hope you sense His presence every step of each day. Sending hugs and love to you!!
Such a beautiful obituary and I would love to have met Joe. Just from his pictures he seemed like just a great and happy guy. I am just so sorry for your loss and pray for your peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
ReplyDelete