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Joseph Giampapa Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Giampapa
Jeff Martin
July 6, 2024
Thinking of Joe while standing in line at the Copenhagen airport. We saw windsurfers yesterday at the beach and thought of Joe. He helped me get an interview and my first job and PWMA. I still remember the one and only time I went on a Saturday ride with Joe´s group and ended up with heat exhaustion. My then future wife and I met Thelma when she and Joe were installing drywall on the ceiling of their home in the Shortnorth. We moved to Oregon not long thereafter. Joe lives on in my heart. I think I´ll buy a road bike when I get home and start riding it. Joe continues to inspire me.
Greg Irwin
April 12, 2024
Was one of my best friends in Elementary school growing up. Just a great person. Such a loss.
David Gaffney
March 19, 2020
Hard to believe another year has passed. Great classmate, fun personality and always on the up and up. Miss you Joe!! Joe has the best company he could ever hope for being with our creator. :)
Scott Truitt
May 5, 2014
Thelma, I've had this link since I first saw the news of Joe's passing, but I've not been able to find the words to express the sadness and sense of loss I feel for you. I looked up to Joe in so many ways, and always thought the world of you. I'm grateful to have shared so many great memories of and with you two, especially on your last trip to SF. I hope that you can find peace.
Patrick Kelly
April 17, 2014
Thelma,
I can only echo the comments made by so many others regarding Joe's character and personality. He was such a fun and really interesting guy to hang out with. Joe was both a great listener as well as story teller, a rare combination. Although I did not see as much of Joe in recent years, every time our lunch group gathered my perspective of Joe was that he was as happy as I had ever seen him. Truly a reflection of his deep love for you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
jessica hampton
April 16, 2014
Love you, Uncle Joe!!!!! Aunt Thelma l love you so.
Maria B. Reeves Thornton
April 3, 2014
Dear Thelma:
How sad to have lost such a great person way too soon ... Joe and I were friends many years ago. I remember when he met you and was so excited to have met his soul mate. I can't fathom your devastation, but can only express sincere condolences. I trust you will find peace and comfort.
Robin Butler Leonard
April 3, 2014
Dear Thelma,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. Joe and I were friends many years ago. Remembering his wonderful sense of humor and kindness still makes me smile. So sorry for your lose.
rodney campbell
April 2, 2014
May hE R.I.P.....SO SORRY FOR HIS LOSS....WILL BE PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILIES CONFORT.
Ray Cage
April 2, 2014
Thelma,
This is cousin Ray Cage. You, Joe, me, and Spike the dog hung out together in 2002. I had made the effort to visit Uncle Amiel and drive together over to PA to see my Mothers old family home place where they grew up. You and Joe kept Spike while Amiel and I made the road trip. I am a bicycle rider also. Mother (Sandra Pearl) called me today and told me this sad news. I am real sad for you honey, your family, and all the friends and co-workers. RIP cousin. Ray Cage
David Gaffney
April 2, 2014
Thelma & family,
I just learned of this today and was just shocked and heartbroken. Joe and I went to high school together. Such a unique and fun individual. I always knew Joe would succeed in life no matter what he became involved in. My prayers go out to all of you. God just brought home one of his treasures. :)
David Korn
March 31, 2014
I met Joe back in those 'go-go' '80's when he was a young lawyer, and I was impressed by his sharp mind and his basic good nature. A thoughtful guy who was also a great guy! My sincere condolences to you for your loss. He will be remembered.
March 31, 2014
We are so sorry and saddended for your loss. May peace and good memories comfort you toward a healing path. I know for a fact, Joe will always be alive in your heart and be with us all in spirit.
- Scott & Lettie Schmidt
Teri Billings
March 30, 2014
still in shock and extreme sadness - I work with Joe and could not wait to hear of his cycling adventures on Monday mornings - I called Joe an "animal"!! Joe is by far one of the nicest people I've met at work and a True inspiration, So so sorry for your loss Thelma - rest on peace and ride on you "animal"
Jeanette & Christopher Canyon
March 29, 2014
Dearest Thelma,
We were so sorry and saddened to read of Joe's passing. Although we only visited with him a few times, we truly enjoyed his very apparent zest for life. We feel very fortunate to have met the two of you through our dear Peg. We know you are surrounded by so much love. We hope that love brings you comfort and strength toward a healing path.
Joe and Laurie Winans Reiser
March 29, 2014
Thelma, To say the service last night was beautiful and touching would be an understatement. Our group of Joe's friends from the 80"s gathered after the rememberance and shared amongst ourselves that Joe's service was life changing and inspiring and opened our hearts to be more like Joe…..to love those we love more deeply, to reach out to those who need love more often, to revel in the soft touch of nature more often and to go for the gusto of life in absolutely every moment AND to smile and laugh in the process.
Marianne Dunn-Fenstermaker
March 28, 2014
Dear Thelma,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are a sweetheart and though I never met Joe, it sounds like he was a wonderful friend and husband. For now, take the hands of family and friends to help you through your journey. You have my blessings.
Marianne Dunn- Fenstermaker
Woody Robison
March 28, 2014
Thelma,
Words cannot express how the sorrow of your loss has affected so many. Everyone is praying that you get through this most troubling time. There is no rhyme or reason when a tragedy like this occurs. All of your family and friends love you and hope that in time, this burden will be lifted from you.
Woody Robison
Tom Hannaford
March 28, 2014
Joe and I were fraternity brothers and went through our initiation week together in late January 1979. Incredibly, Ohio State was closed for the blizzard making for all day hazing from the other members as they had nothing else to do. Not so incredible to all those that knew Joe, he handled it with grace and with a big smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers go out to Thelma. I am so sorry for your loss.
March 28, 2014
Thelma, I love this picture of Joe and the look of joy on his face. As Joe's barber for the last 20 years, I witnessed his transformation when you entered his life. He became complete. I will really miss hearing about your next adventure and his love of Life. Sincerely, June
Kathy Milenkovski
March 27, 2014
Thelma- I am at a loss for words! I am so so very sorry for your loss. I was out of town and just caught the tail end of a news report that mentioned what I thought was Joe's name but I couldn't believe it. I had to come here to check and I'm heartbroken to learn I heard correctly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vicki (Farrow) Baptist
March 27, 2014
I remember Joe from junior high school and was touched by the way he enjoyed life and made such a positive impact on so many people. Deepest sympathy to his wife, family and close friends.
Tammy (Farrow) & Dale Alexander
March 27, 2014
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Joe was a special friend and made my family laugh many times while growing up. We will always fondly remember his antics at Sherwood Jr. High and Walnut Ridge. Please accept our condolences.
Sherry Richert Belul
March 27, 2014
Oh, Thelma. I am heartsick to hear this tragic news. There are no words at a time like this. But please know that I am sending love and light your way — and to his whole family. I never met Joe, but I do know how much you loved him and what happiness he brought to your life. I also could feel his joie de vivre in what has been written about him. His passion, his love of adventure, his vitality, his spirit are all so evident in the way he lived his life. The love you shared is inspiring and beautiful. I am so incredibly sorry. Sending love your way.
Kelly Hampton
March 27, 2014
Thelma, I am so very sorry for your loss and my heart aches for. I know it's been decades since I've seen you but I have fond memories of your family. May God comfort and bless!
Tina Clary
March 27, 2014
Please except my deepest sympathy and sorrow for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Ned Williams
March 27, 2014
Thelma, while none of my words can ease your sorrow, please know that you and Joe will always be in my heart. I cried when I read the news on Sunday. I expect that Joe will be on my mind every time I go out for a long ride. I admired him greatly and will miss him for all the ways he enriched my life and the lives of so many he met.
Aaron Beck
March 27, 2014
Dear Thelma, we love you. You're in our constant thoughts. Please know that Joe is always going to be in the minds and hearts of everyone who was so fortunate to know him.
Don & Ryo Pearson
March 27, 2014
Dear Thelma,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, friend.
Carmen Talerico
March 27, 2014
We are all so sorry for your loss Thelma.
The Talerico Family
Cindy Townsend
March 27, 2014
Thelma, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Your story of love and life with him was beautiful. May the Lord bring you peace at this sorrowful time. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Cordially,
Cindy McElravy/Townsend
Brookfield High School
Bill Fisher
March 27, 2014
May all of us who were fortunate to know Joe, and share a part of his life, remember him in our thoughts and his family in our prayers as they endure this tragic loss in their lives.
Joe will be missed by all who ever knew him, laughed with him, worked with him, rode with him, or grew up with him.
Karen McGowan
March 27, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you.
Skip Schafer
March 27, 2014
Joe was just an amazingly nice guy with a great sense of humor and perspective. He had a passion for so many things and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had more friends than anyone I have ever known as evidenced by all of the people at his 50th birthday celebration. I am so fortunate to have been his friend for over 30 years. I will really miss him.
Carolyn and Ted Goodman
March 27, 2014
Dearest Thelma. We truly loved your Joe.
Shirley (Wood) Ravenscraft
March 27, 2014
Thelma, so sorry for your loss. I know there is nothing anyone can say or do to ease the pain, but please know my deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you during this most tragic time.
David Schiff
March 27, 2014
To Thelma,
I went to law school with Joe and sat next to him in more than a few classes. Our signature song was Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" which one or the other of us would start up on seeing each other.
I am heartsick at your loss. While Joe and I loss touch after I left the law and Columbus, I remember him as a great guy. It made me smile to think the two of you spent fun times at the Winds in my hometown of Yellow Springs.
Words fall short at times like these so I'll just say the traditional words of my faith, may Joe's memory be a blessing and a comfort.
David Schiff
March 27, 2014
Aunt Thelma, we are so very sorry for the sudden and tragic loss of Joe. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Chuckie and Erin
Robin Panzera
March 27, 2014
Thelma,
Though we never met, I want you to know that I have such fond memories of working with Joe at Chase (Bank One). He was my protector when negotiations got out of hand. I have never forgotten his enthusiasm for life and his love for you. You, your family and friends are in my prayers. God Bless, Joe.
Chinese won't taste the same for me Joe
Matt Markwood
March 27, 2014
Having known Joe for 25+ years, most notably as a regular Ho Toy luncheon attender, I will miss his quick wit, easy smile, and ability to brighten other's days, and lives. My prayers go out to Thelma during this difficult time.
David Fisher
March 27, 2014
Joe was an inspiration to get me to take up cycling - I think he would like that. Our hearts go out to you and your families!
Nathaniel Goldman
March 27, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Joseph Giampapa. I worked with him in 1979, when he worked part time, as a sales associate at Lazarus, Eastland, in the bedding department. He was always a very conscientious worker, and had a million dollar smile. It was a pleasure to work with him, as he was very familiar with the merchandise, and the various procedures pertaining to sales and inventory. I remember when he graduated from college, and when he entered law school, at OSU. The last time that I saw him was on campus at OSU, in 1980. He greeted me, with his familiar smile. In 1983, when he entered private practice as an Attorney, there was a newspaper article, which was published, pertaining to his areas of expertise. My personal condolences are extended to his wife Thelma, and to the entire family.
Jack Malone
March 26, 2014
I was only with Joe on a few occasions, but enough to know that he was a good soul and that I wanted to get to know him more. I pray for the Lord's comfort for all of the family and friends. Jack Malone
Patricia & Jack Smith
March 26, 2014
To Thelma,I don't know you but my condolences to you. Even before I read all the messages left by his and your friends I sensed he was a wonderful person.
Fred Hadley
March 26, 2014
Like many of my Huntington alum friends, I will miss Joe's smile wit and most definitely his gentlemanly sarcasm. He knew how to argue like a lawyer and then laugh heartily with a dear friend regardless of their politics. My best ever recollection of Joe's zest for life was his misadventure in Nags Head NC when he was windsurfing (another sport at which he was highly skilled) and was blown out to sea a few miles and subsequently rescued via helicopter from a sand bar. He certainly was a gifted talker and listener which is why he'll be missed by many.
March 26, 2014
Thelma ,
There are no words to comfort you at this time, but just know that I am praying for you and hoping that prayers will comfort you in some way. With my deepest sympathy to you, Francine W.
Julie Snyder
March 26, 2014
Thelma, words cannot express my sorrow....you and Joe had such an amazing love..Joe was always gracious, cheerful, full of fun and smiles. You are in my prayers......
Margi (Albright) Rypczyk
March 26, 2014
Thelma,
Please know there are many praying for you back home. So sorry for your loss. Much love to you today and always Dear friend.
Tony Mollica
March 26, 2014
I would like to express my condolences to Joe's family. I was a OSU Law School classmate of Joe's and I always had a lot of respect for Joe. Joe was a good and kind man. May The Lord, your family and your friends help you through this difficult time.
God Bless,
Tony Mollica
Linda Lado
March 26, 2014
Joe & Thelma, how fortunate that Thelma married such a vibrant, kind person. Thelma is my cousin, Joe is an icon in the biking world.
Jim McGuinness
March 26, 2014
Joe was always one of the good guys. An amazingly optimistic presence at the OSU College of Law.
Steve Doss
March 26, 2014
Joe was a very gracious guy. I met Joe, like a lot of my cycling friends just by hooking up with him on a long ride. From that point forward every time I ran into (cycled into) Joe we would talk. Share the experience of cycling together. It's a aspect of cycling I truly enjoy and I truly enjoyed cycling with Joe. Joe Giampapa was a very gracious guy, a highest compliment in my view. I'm incredibly sorry for your loss.
March 26, 2014
Thelma, I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss Joe's smiling face at the club. I have fond memories of you and Joe together . He will be sorely missed . Remember your good times together and lean on friends and family to see you through this tough time.
-- Mike Murphy
Debi Orr
March 26, 2014
Thelma, there are no words to ease your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary Schmitt
March 26, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. My heart and my condolences to you. I had met Joe at Pedal with Pete and looked forward to seeing him every year. An absolutely great guy, full of life.
Kristin Schad
March 26, 2014
Thelma, I have been shell-shocked ever since I found out. Joe was a larger than life personality and it is inconceivable that he could be gone. My heart is aching every day over his loss, he was truly an unmatched original.
Den and I had never met a 'couple' who we enjoyed spending time with as much as you two. We were in awe of you both.
I didn't realize, until this happened, how deeply my delighted anticipations of the future involved traveling with and continuing to get to know you both.... in Cancun, Europe, North Carolina, and who knows where else. I so very much hope we can continue to be a part of your life, we have come to care for you so much over the years.
We will be at his Memorial. I know you will be swamped with the hundreds of people whose lives Joe has touched. Hopefully, Den and I can find a moment with you just to hug. I'm so so sorry, Thelma. The world has lost a human comet.
Rosemary Robertson
March 26, 2014
Thelma,
So sorry to learn about Joe.I met you both through his Dad, Amiel and my Mom, Millie while at the Worthington, Gahanna. Joe and his Dad really did light up the room. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Rosemary Ellsworth Robertson
March 26, 2014
May you be cycling on the streets of gold my friend.
Brent Thomas
March 26, 2014
Joe was such a special person...one of a kind and a great friend to so many. He will be terribly missed. I will cherish the memories of time spent with Joe, especially the treasured Ho Toy lunches. My most sincere sympathy and prayers to his family.
Nancy Connor
March 26, 2014
I worked with Joe in the early 80's while he was a law clerk at Cunningham Gibbs & Cavalieri. I remember him fondly as an outgoing, hard-working man and friend to all. Many fond memories of those years. My sincerest sympathy to his family and friends.
Amanda Orr
March 26, 2014
Thelma, I am very sorry for your loss. I remember his smile and positive personality.
Donna Bush
March 26, 2014
Thelma, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so glad I had that brief conversation with Joe.
Mike Milam
March 26, 2014
I wish I had words that would ease the pain of your loss. But please know you have many praying for you and asking God to be with you during these times. So very sorry for your loss.
Cindy & Rod Berard
March 26, 2014
Thelma, I wish there was something I could do or say to ease your pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers. A wonderful person has left us, he was truly special.
Sandy Campbell
March 26, 2014
Such a tremendous loss. My loving thoughts and prayers for Thelma, family and friends
Emily Sable
March 26, 2014
Free-wheeling through life,
Your tandem partner Thelma,
Is lost without you...
For Joe, the master of haikus. Thank you for loving my Aunt, and enjoying life with us all.
Bobbi Stout
March 25, 2014
When I heard the news of Joseph it took my breath away,it has been a very long time since I seen him or talked with him see we went to school together (Willis Park)until my family moved away but I had never forgot him.He was so kind and funny and a good friend.I Will also remember the great fun we shared.
Jeremy Smith
March 25, 2014
“We are so lightly here. It is in love that we are made. In love we disappear.”
? Leonard Cohen
“Ah, grief makes us precise!”
? Leonard Cohen
Jeremy Smith
March 25, 2014
Sweetness and light, and a very strong human hammering a Pinarello….. but always smiling sweetly as he flew by you….
Then I see him at Leonard Cohen……..
We lost a wonderful soul.
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