After graduating Archbishop Karl J. Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio in 1970, Joe studied Communication Arts with a minor in Psychology at the University of Dayton, and had his first start in radio as midday jock and Sunday morning talk show host for the University of Dayton’s college radio station WVUD. In 1974, Joe traveled to Fresno, California, and began his professional radio career as mid-day jock, news anchor, director and program director for KFIG.
In 1977, Joe headed to Los Angeles, and joined KLOS as an on air personality, later introducing “The KLOS Local Music Show.” He was employed by KLOS from 1977-81, and then made his return to the station from 2003-2009. During the years of 1982-1990, Joe broadcast for several prominent L.A. radio stations including KMET, KNX and KLSX. In 1984, Joe joined Armed Forces Radio, hosting an alternative rock show for an estimated daily audience of 400 million listeners. He later worked in the airline industry, interviewing musicians and hosting music channels for various airlines when he joined AEI in 1992, and then Inflight Productions as VP in 2000. Joe went back to on air work as a radio personality for KOCP in Ventura, California from 2005-2008 (also working part time for KLOS).
In 2012, Joe was among the first group to be featured in the new archival library annex for "the radio personalities that delivered the music" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Joe was proud to be honored in the city that belonged to his beloved Cleveland Browns, and never gave up hope of one day experiencing a Super Bowl victory. Several other talents included program narrator, voiceover artist, public speaker, and screenwriter. The love of his life was his daughter Krista, and he was so proud to be a Grandpa. Above all else, family was most important to Joe. His constant smile, terrible jokes, and infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew him.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Krista Ribbons, son-in-law Brad Ribbons, and their two children, Kaylee and Shane. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Teresa LaMendola, sister in-law Marilyn "Toody" Reiling, Jan and Vic Norton, Tim and Rose Reiling, Jill and Matt Markey, along with 12 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers John and Edmund, his brother in law, Bob LaMendola, and two nieces, Michelle LaMendola and Debbie LaMendola Darst.
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