Joe was born on August 16, 1928 in Atlantic City, New Jersey and passed away on March 2, 2021. Joe was an only child and was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Edith Nemesi (affectionately known as “Nona”). He is survived by the large family that he started, including his beloved wife of 69 years and best friend Claire, and his eight children: Jena (Dan) Laville, Joann (Mike) Gibson, Chip (Karen), Mike (Elaine), Rich (Debbie), John (Bridget), Bill (Sherry) and Kris (Dennis) Cooper. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren (“the Greats”), who all idolized their “Pop Pop.”
Joe grew up in Atlantic City, and graduated with a business degree from Rutgers University. He served in the Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant and completed officer training before joining IBM Corporation in New York City in 1954. His successful 30+ year executive career took him to Grand Blanc, Michigan in 1963, where the family grew and thrived. He joined Warwick Hills Golf Club, which became the center of activity for the family including golf, swimming, and picnics in “The Grove.” Joe was on the board and elected president of the club, and organized the volunteer marshals for The Buick Open.
Joe was a big sports fan, and he and Claire adopted the Michigan State Spartans as their new team. The family has seats on the 50 yard-line to this day. That passion was passed down through the family, and eventually seven of his children and seven of his grandchildren became Spartan alumni. Eventually, Joe and Claire moved to Cary, North Carolina to be close to family, and that’s where they lived his last 15 years.
Joe was a proud Italian with an outgoing, gregarious personality. He lit up every room, whether he was cooling down after a round of golf or joining a casino blackjack table.
Joe and Claire built their life around their family. Their grandchildren--”cousins by the dozens”--from across the country bonded and became best friends through legendary family weddings and Spartan tailgates. Joe would often look over the gathering and say to his children, “THIS...is what it’s all about.”
There will be a service at St. Michael’s Church in Cary, NC, at 1:00 PM on Friday March 5. This service can also be accessed via live stream at www.livestream.com/stmichaelcary .
The family wishes memorial contributions be made to: Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, 1001 Blair Drive, Raleigh, NC. 27603, or donate online at foodshuttle.org.
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