Joseph E Melchiorre Jr.

Born on June 19, 1945, in Teaneck, NJ, and raised in Hackensack, Joe was the beloved son of Marguerite and Joseph E Melchiorre Sr. As the only son with three sisters, he was affectionately known by his family as the one who “could do no wrong.” A talented athlete, Joe earned varsity letters in both baseball and football while attending Bergen Catholic High School, graduating in 1963.

He continued his education at St. Louis University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1967. During this time, he built lifelong friendships with his TKE fraternity brothers, Jimmy, Ron, and Tommy, and met the love of his life, Sadye Corso.

After graduation, Joe was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In 1969, while on leave in New Jersey, he reconnected with Sadye, inviting her out for his birthday dinner. Their relationship blossomed, and the couple married in June 1970. Joe and Sadye navigated the challenges of military life with grace, maintaining a strong bond even during periods of separation. His Air Force service took them to duty stations across the globe, including California, Texas, Korea, New Hampshire, Germany, Virginia, Saudi Arabia, and Florida.

Joe’s distinguished military career included earning a master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio in 1977. His expertise in medical service management was showcased during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, where he played a pivotal role in planning wartime hospital operations. After 29 years of dedicated service, Joe retired as a Colonel from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in 1996. Following his military retirement, Joe transitioned to a new chapter in Florida, joining the International Headquarters of Shriners Hospitals for Children. He served as the Executive Administrator for all 22 facilities and later as Vice President of Hospital Operations. Joe’s dedication to the Shriners mission led him to serve on the Board of Governors for Shriners Hospital — Tampa, where he eventually became Chairman. In retirement, his commitment to helping children extended to becoming a Guardian-AdLitem, advocating for those who needed a voice in and out of the courtroom.

A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Medical Service Corps Association, Joe was also a 3rd-degree honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary of Sorrows,Council 8600. Joe was a dedicated member of the Egypt Shrine Temple, Royal Order of Jesters, and 33rd degree member of the Tampa Scottish Rite Supreme Council Hillsborough Lodge #25.

Joe will be remembered for his warm and welcoming nature. Described by many as “the nicest man I’ve ever known,” Joe touched the lives of everyone he met. A history enthusiast, avid reader, and sports lover, Joe could often be found cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning, Buccaneers, and Rays, attending Super Bowl, World Series, and Stanley Cup games. He was also a passionate golfer, bowler, and world traveler, enjoying adventures across Europe with Sadye by his side. Above all, Joe was a loving father and grandfather, always present for his family’s milestones, from sporting events to school performances.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Marguerite “Marge” Melchiorre, his sister Kathy Melchiorre, and his son Paul (Sapna) Melchiorre. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sadye; his sisters, Judith Melchiorre and Penny (Raymond) Tarino; his children, David Meyer, Todd (Brendalou) Melchiorre, Joseph (Monica) Melchiorre, and Lisa Melchiorre; his grandchildren, Marissa, Colton, Austin, Caitlin, Rocco, AnaSofia, Rhys, Sonya, and Bryson; and his great-grandchildren, Marcel and Alaric. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses at Tampa General Hospital 8 West, the TGH Cancer Center, Dr. Kent Corral, SOS Home Emergency Care, LifePath Hospice Plumb Team, and the James A. Haley VA Medical Center for their compassionate care during Joe’s battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 6802 Silvermill Dr., Tampa, FL 33635. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a dedication and speakers beginning at 6PM. A funeral mass will follow on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 10:00 am at Incarnation Catholic Church, 8220 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33615. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at lovetotherescue.org.