Joseph Anthony Gasparich

Joseph “Joe” Gasparich, 81, of Belleville, IL, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023. He was born July 28, 1942, in East St Louis, IL, to Joseph and Mary (Kovar) Gasparich. In 1960, Joe graduated from Cathedral High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from SIUE in 1967. Joe obtained his MBA from Washington University soon after. The following year on September 7, 1968, Joe married the love of his life, Shirley Williams, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Belleville, and they soon started their family including a son, Michael and a daughter, Aimie.

Continuing with his education, Joe completed all but his Thesis for his Ph. D in Economics and Finance at St. Louis University while also teaching classes there. Later, Joe earned his CPA.

During his working career, Joe was a stockholder at Oakhill Racquet Club and was briefly the Executive Director for the Fairview Heights Chamber of Commerce. For many years, Joe worked as Comptroller for Bloomer Amusement Corporation (BAC). While working at BAC, Joe had the privilege of attending many Movie and Electronics Conventions in Las Vegas and elsewhere.

For over 20 years, Joe was Assistant Director for Southwestern Illinois Redevelopment Corporation (SWIDA). As an involved community member, Joe also served on several boards: Catholic Fraternal Life; West End Redevelopment Corporation (WERC); and the September 11th Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois from which he was retired.

For years, Joe taught many business & computer classes at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). As an avid photographer, he also taught Photography Classes at SWIC as well.

In his spare time, Joe enjoyed playing cards: poker, Black Jack, and Texas Hold’ Em to name a few, but he absolutely hated playing Uno & cheated often when playing with his children and grandchildren just to end the game.

Joe played a variety of instruments from the accordion to the guitar to the piano. Joe was a lover of JAZZ particularly as well as a movie aficionado. Joe and his good friends were amazing when talking movie trivia.

Joe was hardworking, humble, fun-loving, extremely generous, incredibly smart and very handsome. Friends and acquaintances alike recognized and appreciated his quick dry wit and wonderfully clever sense of humor.

Joe had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling the world of which he had hoped to do more.

Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 55 years, Shirley Gasparich; son, Michael (Jennifer) Gasparich; daughter, Aimie (James) Dixon; grandchildren, Matthew Gasparich and Emma Gasparich; brother George (Peggy) Gasparich and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, IL 62208. A memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 11:00 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 5923 N. Belt West, Belleville, IL 62223, with a visitation prior to the Mass from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at QP.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, The Parkinson’s Foundation, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, or to the charity of your choice.