Joseph Michael Wilcock

Joseph Michael Wilcock passed away peacefully on March 6, 2023. Joe was born outside of Detroit, MI to Ruby & Ed Wilcock on November 18, 1946. He would go on to lead a life full of luck, love, family, friendships, hard work and service to his community. After growing up in Kentucky, Florida, and Gary, IN, and overcoming polio as a child, he moved to Chicago to formally train as a chef at the Washburne Trade School. Fascinated by the opportunities offered in Las Vegas and the hospitality school at UNLV, Joe made the most pivotal decision of his life and moved to Las Vegas where he worked as a chef at The Frontier and eventually as the Sous Chef at The Tropicana. He enrolled at UNLV and started his degree in hospitality, which he would finish later in life, along with his MBA. During his time at UNLV, he became a brother in Sigma Chi–connecting him to countless life-long friends. It also introduced him to his roommate’s cousin, Linda, the love of his life, with whom he would spend 46 wonderful years of marriage. After starting a sandwich shop and catering business in the 70’s, he was convinced by his close friend, Billy Velardo, to move into the gaming side of the industry. Breaking in as a dealer at the Flamingo Capri, he later transferred to Caesars Palace working under Billy and his father, Mike Velardo. Joe & Linda eventually moved to snowy Lake Tahoe for five years, then returned to Las Vegas in 1984. Joe worked his way up through Mirage Resorts, working at the Golden Nugget, opening the Mirage, opening Treasure Island as the VP of Table Games, and working at the MGM Grand as Senior VP of Table Games. He then started another chapter of his life as a sports bar owner, serving as President of the Nevada Tavern Owners Association. A life-long Chicago Cubs fan, Joe was able to experience three World Series games from the rooftops across from Wrigley Field and the elation of a World Series win a few days later. He eventually returned to gaming where he retired in 2019. All the while, he gave back to his community, whether it was buying and managing the Sigma Chi house with fellow brother, Mike Riordan, or teaching at UNLV as an adjunct professor. After a life of service with Sigma Chi, he was awarded the Order of Constantine (the highest honor a Sigma Chi can receive). A fuller life can hardly be imagined. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, brother, Jon Johnson, sister-in-law, Denise Roach, sister-in-law, Cherie, daughter, Kelly, son, Christopher, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, mother-in-law and father-in-law, and his son, Timothy. Joseph’s final resting place will be in Lake Tahoe. A memorial service will be held in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2nd between 2:00-4:30 at The Las Vegas Country Club (3000 Joe W Brown Dr Las Vegas, Nevada 89109) with the story-telling starting at 2:30 pm. Please RSVP to https://forms.gle/PxxhwEkg1dpe2aFh8.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Wilcock family.