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Joseph Mondello Obituary
August 6,1936 - April 6, 2011
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a wonderful, caring, passionate and very talented man, Joe Mondello. Joe passed in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 6 in Crossville, Tenn., at the age of 75, following complications from surgery. Joe was born on August 6, 1936 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Joe, also known as "Dr. Oldsmobile", earned an international reputation as a drag racing and the automotive performance expert, guru and master. Joe's passion for all things mechanical, and particularly improving cylinder head airflow, led him to a 54 year career as an engine builder, head porter and later, a teacher. His talents led him to work with some of the most notable race teams and fellow engine builders during the 60's and through the turn of the century. He started racing at age 13, and his professional career started in 1951 working on flat-head Fords for his own '40 Ford coupe for drag racing, as well as for other engine builders. He was nicknamed "Dr. Oldsmobile" for his highly successful developmental work on the Olds V-8 engines.
His passion for excellence lead him to establish the Mondello Technical School in 1996 in California, devoted to teaching the art of professional performance engine building and head porting design to all who came including young men and women who desired a career in the field. The school started in Paso Robles, Calif. and later moved to Crossville, Tenn. Joe's passion was for those young people in the school. He wanted them to understand what it took to be a professional in the shop and in customer relations. He also extended that passion to teaching many of them how to be a professional as a drag racer. He taught them the technical aspects of their trade (as an engine builder and as a racer) and how to interact with people. Joe is survived by his wife Mary, four children Bernard Mondello, Stephanie Mondello, Gina Ozanne, and Nica Mondello-Gomez and four grandchildren, Nicole Mondello, Ross Ozanne, Adam and Joey Gomez.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Mondello
karn bates
April 6, 2024
Joe was a great friend of Larry and Karen Bates, he has always been missed
Dan Finn
April 5, 2024
Still think of Joe every day even after all this time of his passing. His guidance over the years still holds true in every aspect of engine building & cylinder head porting. Still hear his voice chewin' on you if everything wasn't absolutely perfect. He made us all better!
larry m overland
April 5, 2023
Joe was one of a kind. Several of us from Wa, would travel to Joe's home in L.A. for the Winter Nationals and World Finals every year for a dozen years. He was a great host, funny, inciteful, and encyclopedic knowledge of drag racing, a racing pioneer. Everyone at the races knew and respected Joe, going with Joe opened doors and made for memorable trips! Gone to soon...we were blessed to be his friend!
Larry Overland
Frank Incremona
April 5, 2022
I will never forget your friendship and the great times at your home in Los Angeles, the ranch in Paso Robles and vineyard in San Miguel. You welcomed me more as family than friend, and I treasured every moment spent with you. Rest easy my friend.
Dan Finn
April 5, 2022
Still missing Joe everyday. Always hear his voice & feel his presence every time I pick up a die grinder. Eternally grateful !
Teresa Daxon
April 5, 2022
Joe was my cool, older cousin who was definitely Mr. Olds. His headers on our jet boat were awesome! RIP, Couz! XO
JEFF W ALSOP
April 1, 2022
Joe taught us so much...I remember our 442 club guys got together and made a trip to Cal to see Joe. It was back in about 1974. Joe took the time to ''show and tell'' us green horn car guy's what he could. Later we would car Joe or Benard for advice/parts and they were only to glad to help! Well, it's 2022 and 2 of us are still Racing a Big Block Olds Today! Thanks Joe, for all the knowledge you passed on to us ''kids'' As Joe would say, ''See you Later Babe''! I think we will.
Karen Bates
April 5, 2021
I always liked being around Joe, always a smile on his face and a kind word to every body—-I miss him a lot—-so does my husband Larry
Frank Wigfall
April 7, 2020
As a former student, he was a man who was always there to teach even after the course was finished, a man of class, and i was honored to have been invited and been able to witness him being inducted in the hall of fame in Gainesville Florida.
Mike Garblik
April 5, 2020
Wow, I just can't believe it's been 9 years since you left us, Joe. Still talk about your exploits, funny stories and tremendous knowledge with my friends, gear heads and former students. Happy to have helped Mary organize and settle the lifetime of parts, equipment, and property you left behind in TN. Did my best to get items in the hands of people you would be proud of. Your Mondello Twister race car will live on for generations now as will your legacy. RIP forever my friend.
kelvin kennedy
April 16, 2012
joe goodbye buddy i am sure they have a 455 and a shop in heaven.To the family i am sorry for your loss joe was a good man loved by so many people young and old he will be missed
Lakis Panagakis
April 9, 2012
A year has passed without you,but your spirit is always near me and guides and much more to the difficulties encountered in the work that taught me. when hosted by the Mary in your home last year your absence was intense, I wish Mary is always good to remember you and you Joe from the heaven to take care all of us.
Herb and Carla
April 8, 2012
Mary, I want you to know that Joe was both my mentor and friend. And the loss is huge. You'll always be in our heart and mind. As Joe is..God Bless and Care for you always
Robert Dendinger
April 8, 2012
I knew joe when he was in my home town of paso robles what a great guy. God bless you joe.
At his last autograph session
Mary Mondello
June 21, 2011
Toasting all our friends!
Joseph and Mary Mondello
June 21, 2011
Denise Slaten
June 17, 2011
Mary, the world lost a brilliant and wonderful person with the passing of Joe. Sending you a hug and always here if you need me.
Melva Dickson
June 13, 2011
Mary, I did not know Joe. I wish I did. So Sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to you and your family.
Leo and Angela
June 5, 2011
Joe was one of a kind! He walked into our jewelry factory so many years ago and we became instant friends. Condolences to Mary and the rest of his family.
HotRod Polk
June 5, 2011
I'd like to say Joe inspired me with his creativity, and dedication to Olds performance. His legacy will live forever. I'd also like to offer condolences to his family. God Bless.
Jim Bird
May 24, 2011
I last spoke to Joe this time last year it was an honor for me to speak with such an icon in the olds engine family.I will keep the tradition going as long as I'm alive building my 455's the way he recommended.Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family.
Rob thought the world of Joe. Thx for all that you've done for our 1965 Super Mustang!
Rochelle Schramm
May 22, 2011
howard rush
May 22, 2011
I met Joe in 1977 he helped me with the 455 in my spectra, which is still running today. Over the years I bought a few engines and parts from Joe.He always made me feel like I was one of the big spenders by taking all the time necessary to help me. Being an electrician he asked me to wire the tech school in Paseo Robles. I brought my 12 year old son Darryl with me. Joe and Darryl became friends, Darryl is now 24 and has Mondello stickers on his truck today. Joe made Darryl feel important,as did Mary. Darryl still remembers staying at the ranch in Paseo and helping Mary take care of the animals. While staying with Joe and Mary, Joe got up early and came downstairs his knees were so bad that he asked me to tie his shoes for him and not to tell anybody that he couldn't, guess I am breaking the promise. It was an honor to tie Joe's shoes. I will always love Joe as a great man and friend forever. Thanks Howard Rush
Richard Mouton
May 21, 2011
One of the great performance minds in the sport of drag racing is gone. I never got to meet Joe but I never missed the oppurtunity to read his work in all of the many magazines that he would opine. My deepest heartfelt sympathy out to his family and friends for he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Joe
dave makuch
May 21, 2011
i wish i could of met the DOC. loved his work. i just found out today by watching h.p. tv. he will live on in every olds heart. god bless dave m CT.
Tim Long
May 21, 2011
Thank you for your contributions to the world. We will miss you. God Bless.
Frank Incremona, Joe Mondello and Dr. J. Kyle Mathews at the Don Garlits' Hall of Fame Banquet in 2005
Frank Incremona
May 21, 2011
Frank Incremona, Joe Mondello and Dr. J. Kyle Mathews at the Don Garlits' Hall of Fame Banquet in 2005 when Joe was inducted into the Hall of Fame. What a great night to be there.
Owen Griesemer
May 20, 2011
Joe and the folks at Mondello's were great to work with, both on my personal projects/cars, as well as through the support they gave the Olds Performance Chapter during my time as head of the chapter.
Ken Henderson
May 19, 2011
Despite having known Joe by reputation for many years, our friendship was too brief, being realized only when he finally bought his GMC motorhome and became a valued member of our community. We knew him for much too short a time.
Ken Henderson
DICK PATERSON
May 19, 2011
i always looked forward to spending time viting with Joe at the trade shows-He was generous with his knowledge and helped me with many "olds" build questions. I was so looking forward to our next get together at a GMC motorhome rally.
Bob Thompson
May 17, 2011
I've had the pleasure of talking with Joe and hearing him talk at a number of Oldsmobile Club of America National Meets, and he was always pleasant and attentive to the average guys, not just the racers. His seminars were informative and entertaining, and his stories of the inner workings of Oldsmobile's racing activities under the ban were priceless. I last saw Joe at the 2009 Nationals in Pennsylvania, and wish him peace and that his family know that he touched many.
Rob Thomas
May 16, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe several times at many of the Olds Natl's that he promoted in the 80's and early 90's. Always a gentleman and willing to lend an ear if you had any questions . He was a rare breed and will me greatly missed.
Tim Bialek
May 16, 2011
Started working with Joe in 1978, always took time to help , Did not sell You things Just to Make money, Would take time just to Chat, Everyones loosing a great Guy Thanks for everything Joe!
Mary Mondello
May 15, 2011
Joey, here's our completed greenhouse. You almost got to see it.
Frank Wigfall
May 14, 2011
As a student of Joe in Paso Robles i ask him why he taught what a few teach at his level.He told me a friend of his had pass with great knowedge and took it to the grave.His wife Mary advised him to share his knowedge and he did.He gave freely,and he gone with it our hearts.A great person,beautiful people him and wife Mary.It was a honor to be with him,in the 2006 Hall of Fame.As i teach my students at MMI your name will always live on.Sad you gone,but you will always be in by heart.Student to the Master Joe Mondello!!!!!
Jodi Gelinske
May 12, 2011
Joe, we will miss you dearly. I am still waiting for you to come through the door to come to work. David and I enjoyed working with you for the past nine years. You were David's mentor. Your friendship meant a lot to us. We love you, Jodi and David
FRAÑK WIGFALL
May 11, 2011
I have just found out about Joe today and was sadden.As a student it was a honor to have known such a warm,and talented man. His name will live on through my students .Mary thank you for your kindness.It was a special time in Paso Robles to have been a student of Mr Mondello.
Michelle Read
May 11, 2011
I feel blessed to have known Joe and Mary and been able to call them 'friends.' Joe was always a voice of reason when working on projects and the voice of concern and compassion on personal issues. He was an inspiration in my life and I will miss him. To Mary and his family - I hold you in my heart and prayers.
TJ Goins
May 11, 2011
Joe will ALWAYS hold a very special place in my heart!Im gonna miss the phone calls and him asking,What'cha doing kiddo? Joe was not only a great teacher and friend,he was a wonderful person all around.You are sadly missed Joe!! :( :( :( I'm so very honored to have had the chance to call you friend,and thankful for all you've done for me. Mary,we wish you and your family nothing less than the best.Please know that we are here when and if you ever need us.
". . .and then I said. . ."
Mary Mondello
May 10, 2011
I have just read all 127 wonderful, loving, messages from our friends and family and just want to thank every one of you for caring so much about my Joe. I have added a photo of Joe that is from the documentary being done by the 1320 Group on the legends of drag racing. It was taken at Don's museum just weeks before we lost him.
jeffrey campbell
May 10, 2011
it was one of the best days i ever had the day i finely got to meat him in person mr olds joe mondello.what a great man to know rip joe we miss you buddy
''Dr.Olds'' Joe Mondello
Richard Goins
May 10, 2011
What a pleasure to meet Joe and become friends with him and Mary. ''Hey Ritchie,Whatcha doin"? Was the start of all our conversations on the phone, Missing you now Joe! RIP Buddy.
This picture is of Joe and My wife,TJ.Joe was alway's at the trailer with us giving TJ tips on racing her Olds and giving me a hard time, Never lift is right Mary,,NEVER lift!!
Sharlie Dixon
May 8, 2011
While never having met Joe personally, I feel as though I know him because of the many stories I've heard about him from Bernard & Gina... What a great man! RIP, Joe.
Bernard Mondello
May 8, 2011
Dad passed away a little over a month ago and I still can't quite believe he's gone. I miss him so much on a daily basis. I can hear his voice in my head; every time he called me he'd say "hello Mr. B, it's your dad"...
Every day I go my shop and everything I do reminds me of you, Dad. I learned so much from you and I hope you know that I was as proud of you, as I know you were of me. It's so hard being in the same business...every day I talk to vendors and customers and it's a daily reminder of how much I miss you.
I am who I am, in large part, because of you... I learned from the best... from here on out, in your memory, everything I do is dedicated to you.
... Sometimes a father, sometimes a friend, always a little bit more. RIP Dad, I will love you forever. Your loving son...
Rob and Rochelle Schramm
May 7, 2011
April 20th 2011
To a man that I only personally met a few years ago at the 2009 NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, KY, but a name I had known for over 50 years. Like “Big Daddy” Don Garlits said “His demise brought me to my knees”.
I am a cancer patient with only a few weeks left unless the good Lord’s ultimate healing provides a miraculous healing. Joe's lovely wife Mary, along with my wife Rochelle and me, cannot understand the reason for the taking of Joe’s life at this time. But we praise Him for the time that he gave him on earth.
When it came to a motor restoration on my 1965 Super Mustang Funny Car, Joe was the only one I wanted to do it. His expertize, patience and honesty through the years was all I needed to make this commitment.
May God bless Mary Mondello and their family.
-Rob and Rochelle
Rob wrote this letter on April 20th and the Lord took him home five days later. As a request of Robs we are submitting this letter, that he himself never got to. They both will be missed very deeply and they now are together in Heaven with our Lord Jesus for all of Eternity.
Larry Stern
May 5, 2011
I only spoke with Joe a few times but he was always very nice. Our prayers are with the family and very sorry for your loss.
Nancie Boland
May 3, 2011
Joe was a gracious man and a wonderful speaker. His presentations were both informative and entertaining. Joe will be missed not only for his contribution to the automotive world, but for the man he was.
Muhammad Aljisr
May 3, 2011
Joe's reputation reached as far as Lebanon in the Middle East, where I had my 442 restored back in the 80s. Most of the engine-related information I gathered at the time had his name mentioned, so I owe him much of the stuff I have learnt.
Some people go and leave void behind. Joe was one of them.
Troy Provost
May 2, 2011
Hi Mary, It was so nice to meet Joe many times at the Oldsmobile shows. I always went to his seminars. I especially remember his little dogs and you from the Bowling Green show. He was and always will be an Oldsmobile legend. Take care, Troy Provost
Daryl Ruby
May 2, 2011
Joe was very congenial and helpful at the seminars that I attended at the Olds Nationals. A very big loss for performance Oldsmobiles.
Steve Campbell
May 2, 2011
One in a million!!!Dr Oldsmobile rests in eternal peace with our maker.
Don & Dianne Zoch
May 2, 2011
I started buying parts and getting advice from Joe in 1980. I was totally impressed with him every time I talked to him as he had genuine concern for whatever you needed. I was suprised when I met him in person for the first time in Lansing as when I told him my name, he told me the city and state I lived in and what I had purchased from him. I also attended his school and really appreciated the hospitality that Joe and Mary showed my wife and I while we were out in California. Thanks for memories I will have for the rest of my life.
Bob Maiocchi
May 2, 2011
Dr Oldsmobile we will miss you.
Glen Morris
May 2, 2011
The New England Olds Club is honored to have had Joe attend our Oldsmobile Nationals in 2010. We will miss his wisdom and Oldsmobile expertise.
Scot Hardman
May 2, 2011
A true pioneer to the performance industry who will be missed dearly. His accomplishments will forever be etched our memory and will always be truly a sign of excellence. Our prayers are with the family in this tough and trying time. God Bless the Mondello family and God Speed Joe.
The Roberts Family
May 1, 2011
Our most sincere sympathies go out to Joe's family. We all will miss him very much. May the loving memories of Joe help the family at this most difficult time. Our love to you, always. Rick, Suzanne, Erica & Ashley
Kurt Shubert
May 1, 2011
We've lost a legend and a friend.
April 30, 2011
I'll miss you Joe. Your advice will always be treasured.
Bob Gerometta
Roger Schiradelly
April 27, 2011
Its people like Joe who helped so many enjoy the thrills of speed & hot rods, they will for ever be remembered in our hearts.
Gods hot rod will be faster because they are with him.
Sasha and Noelle at Cousin's Joey's Petting Zoo in Paso Robles. 1995
Michele Croci
April 26, 2011
Here is another loved photo of memories of Cousin's and Mary's ranch with my daughter, Sasha Bina and here cousin, Noelle Abbott. We Love you, Cousin.
Cousin Joey with Andrew Bina and Dane Abbott
Michele & Ron Croci
April 26, 2011
We will miss Cousin Joey very very much. My dad, Joe Montell, and Joe were first cousins and I remember how many times they would share laughs over the phone. (Dad lived in Arizona) Cousin Joey and Mary are always so generous with the family and would invite us over to their ranch in Paso Robles. My children, Sasha and Andrew, then small, would relish driving the ATV around the property. Joey just loved having the family and a bunch of children around. He was an intense affectionado of good food and wine. There was a time when we all went to the ranch and he had an entire commercial freezer of sausages and different cuts of meat. I remember how he so relished cooking trays and trays of meats for all his guests. Those were such special times and we are so grateful to Mary and Joey for creating all those wonderful memories with our children and family. During these times Mary and Cousin Joey had tons of animals on their ranch; cows, chickens, goats, llamas, horses, sheep. We remember looking out in the morning and Mary feeding all those animals! May the Lord keep Joe in peace---We all love you, Cousin and we will miss you very much. Mary, may God give you strength and peace in these hard times---we love you dearly, Michele and Ron Croci
Glenn & Joe NHHR, 2008
Glenn Cupit
April 25, 2011
Mary, As you know, Joe & I had become good friends in the past 10 years. Joe did the heads on my Cupit & cunningham AA/FD 46 years ago! He also did the heads on my cackle car 2 years ago. The new nitro race motor he was building for me remains one of his unfinished projects which Bret will finish. Every time I fire it up at a cacklefest, will remind me of Joe and his help.
I have fond memories of the dinner we shared last year in Crossville.
I will see y'all sometime in May.
I loved Joe and will miss him. He was a good man who treated people as he wanted to be treated.
Rest in peace, mt friend.
Mary, you have my sincere sympathy,
Glenn - in Louisiana
Big Al Liebmann
April 25, 2011
Thank you for all of many years of great memories. You touched so many lives in our world I am so thankful for the time we got to spend together at races in the and trade shows and always were so interested our racing program. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that you left behind. Joe, you will be truely missed but will be in good hands in Hot Rod Heaven.
Paul Tortorici
April 24, 2011
Mary, I am a lost for words. You know Joe was a very good friend of mine. We go back over 30 plus years. He was a great guy. I will miss him very much. His voice is stuck in my head. I will always remember the night you & Joe came over my house back in 1990. We also had some really great times at the Mondello meets in Norwalk.
Paul Tortorici
April 24, 2011
I have had the privilege of knowing a small handfull of people I considered my very best and closest friends of which Joe is . I will miss him and mourn his passing the rest of my days but I know that we will all be united forever with the Lord . God bless, Mary. Dennis and Cheryl Hawkins
Mike and Bev Garblik
April 24, 2011
It has been a week now and still it is hard to put into words how much Joe will be missed. Joe and Mary entered our lives only 10 years ago, but it seemed like 30. I will always remember Joe as a renaissance man. Of course all of the racers knew Joe as a master engine builder, perfectionist, cylinder head specialist and a master craftsman. But I also got to know Joe as a master teacher, determined to share his 50 plus years of knowledge with anyone interested in learning. Here was a living legend who was genuinely accessible. If a man is judged by the good works he does on this earth, Joe will be teaching a class in heaven soon. RIP Joe Mondello.
April 24, 2011
Joe was full of life and fun. He treated our family like his own, especially our sons. He was the icing on the cake when we visited San Miguel. We will miss him. God bless him and his family. I am sure GOD'S ROD is running fine. Love Jim and Jennifer Brady and Sons.
April 23, 2011
Our hearts and love go out to Mary and the family.
We go back so far with Joe and Mary that we can’t ever remember a time when they weren’t in our lives.
A love built on the foundation of faith is the kind of love Joe & Mary have shared, and we pray that faith and the many, many happy memories will carry you through this most difficult time in your life Mary.
Even something as simple as walking the aisles of PRI will not seem the same without Joe there.
Mike & Darlene Lewis, Laytonville, CA
April 22, 2011
My cousin, Joe, was a remarkable person. My earliest recollections of him were when he was a teenager and usually found with his head under a car’s hood. Joe had a lot of challenges in his life but his focus, determination and vision are what made him a success in so many, many ways.
God bless and keep you, Cuz, and may the peace of Christ always be with you.
With love and prayers always,
Cousin Terri (Mancuso) Daxon (Brea, California)
Mark and Gloria Brady
April 22, 2011
There are no words that can express the loss that we feel with this sad news. You and Joe were not only our neighbors in San Miguel but our family too. There were no boundaries as we shared dinners, wine, birthdays, holidays and all the out of town visits,visitors, and families.
Even after the move to Tennessee we did't skip a beat. Vol's football,fishing in your pond, dinners with Kelly and family, and Joe's gourmet cooking.
No matter where our travels have taken us we always looked forward to that phone call from you and Joe. He will be truly missed.
Our prayers go out to you Mary .
Dan Finn
April 22, 2011
There are not enough words to describe Joe; I feel privledged to have known him. Such an inspiration, friend & mentor! Your legacy will live on through everyone you have touched! God speed Joe! God bless you Mary !!
With love and respect ---
Karpo Murkijanian
April 21, 2011
Joe touched so many people and I'm very fortunate to be one of them. The man upstairs sure did break the mold with Joe. He was full of life. Always willing to help. I will treasure the times we spent together. I will miss the phone conversations we had. My heart goes out to Mary and the Family.
Godspeed my friend!
Art Pfluger
April 21, 2011
Nicest man I ever met in racing. Joe didn't care who you were if you needed help he had an idea. Joe cared more about what he could do for you than what you would do for him. For those that had the great fortune to be around joe daily, I'm sure life will be boring.
Thanks Joe and Mary for all you have done.
Art, Rose and Victor Pfluger
Sandy & Tom Roe
April 21, 2011
Joe we will miss you very much. Mary, Tom and I are very thankful we
got to spend time with you and Joe last summer at your home.
Our prayers are with you.
Sandy and Tom Roe
April 21, 2011
Dear Mary & Family,
You are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. May the Lord bless you & grant you His peace, comfort, grace & strength for these days & months ahead.
Joe was an asset to our GMC community & will be sorely missed. His sweet memories & the legacy he left behind will always be with us. We love you.
Standing with you in prayer,
Billie Young - Sunshine Lady
GMC Classics & GMCMI Family
April 21, 2011
Joe,you will be missed greatly .I am so lucky to be able to call you a true friend.Your generiousity,hospitality,great outlook on life will never be forgotten.Remembering all the good times and laughs we had together.Lots of love to you Mary.Rod Cook
Tennille McCarvel
April 21, 2011
Joe- we will miss you. I will miss your big personality and laugh. I am so glad we got to spend some time with you last summer at the Olds show in Mass. I hope wherever you are, you are at peace.
Lakis
April 21, 2011
Joe, thank you for what I leard about the cylinder, I am very lucky to have met you and we had the opportunity to spend beautiful moments together, it was wrong to go so quickly from life because you had a lot to give us yet. you will be in my mind and in my heart forever.
Lakis
Jim Galbavy
April 21, 2011
This was a unexpected blow and loss to us all. Joe was someone who would take the time and help or listen to anyone who needed a ear. When I lost my wife of 40 years last year, Joe and Mary went out of their way to help prop me up. I was so looking forward to talking to Joe next week of my first attempt at drag racing my GMC motorhome last month at the Orlando Speed World 1/4 mile.
Lloyd Creek
April 21, 2011
Sympathy and prayers with Mary and Joe's children and the crew at Mondello Tech Center. I will miss Joe very much. Honored to call him my friend and business partner. Will miss the times we had at AETC, PRI and the BS sessions after the shows. God broke the mold when He made Joe.
Bill Minor
April 21, 2011
The GMC Motorhome and Oldsmobile Communities have lost a true friend. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Matthew Macclain
April 20, 2011
Joe was one of the best teachers and friends i have ever known. I never felt like i could thank him enough. Hes truly a legend. His personality and knowledge will be missed. I was fortunate enough to be one of his students and became his friend in the process.
Joe and Mary are the best , God Bless.
Jeffy, Courtney & Jordyn Cowell
April 20, 2011
Uncle Joe, its hard to fathom that you are no longer with us! but you are going to be truly, deeply missed from our family! My memories of you I will cherish with all of my heart! Those memories include hanging out at Norwalk Raceway park for the Oldsmobile Nationals. You have touch so many people in your lifetime and I got to see that first hand at the track. I can still remember the look of Joe Mondello at the track usually had something purple on and those shorts, oh those shorts! which Aunt Mary told me she had to cut up to actually get rid of them! Our hearts go out to Aunt Mary and your family! Love you always and Miss you Uncle Joe!
"May the work YOU'VE done speak for YOU" - unknown
Linda/John Richardson
April 20, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 20, 2011
I met Joe in the ‘80’s when I took a set of heads in for porting and a valve job, he was great to me. Years later his son Bernard “Big HP” and I became good friends. We went to attend Joe’s induction into the NHRA Hall of Fame and Joe I will never forget the “Perfect Peg Leg Burnout” in front of the hotel lobby! Bernard and I stood in amazement and laughing as Joe smoked the peg leg in his flat head Ford, then turned around smoked it again and the stripes lined up perfect like a posi making a single pass without even knowing he did it! It was the best and I will always remember that. Jeff Tudor aka Lil HP.
Tommy Johnson Sr.
April 20, 2011
The July 4th. party at Gaither's house on the lake will never be the same without you my friend. You taught Sarah and me to eat muscle and that wasn't easy. Rest in peace, you touched many lives in a wonderful way down here.
Tommy Sr. & Sarah Johnson Mooresville, N.C.
Allan Lockheed Jr.
April 20, 2011
Joe was an extraordinary force in the performance industry, who passed his knowledge and experience along to generations of craftspersons (PC, huh?) and racers personally and via the MTS. The world just got a little smaller... AHL
Dean Weasner
April 20, 2011
I had the privilege of listening to Joe Mondello being interviewed at the Don Garlits' Museum on the Thursday before the Gatornationals this year. what a great individual both in knowledge and humility. I talked to him for the first time at the track the next day and was gald to have the luck to do so. This alone made my trip to the race worthwhile or as they say priceless in light of his passing. What a shame to watch him and the others of his genration pass. Their legacy will live as long as man desires to pursue high performance and speed.
Bill Brown
April 20, 2011
Joe, I will always remember how kind you were to my Downs Syndrome son at the GMC rallys. Thank you - you will be missed.
Steve Estrada
April 20, 2011
I started working for Joe in 1994 in Paso Robles Ca. 2 years later we both put a lot of work into the Mondello Technical School. I knew nothing about cylinder heads but Joe took me under his wing and showed me alot of his tricks. He taught me everything i know. I eventually ended up assisting Joe at the school showing students port and polish techniques ansd flow bench work. Now i currently work on Nascar engines and help with R&D thanks to his training. I would not be where i am today without his help. Miss you.
Dexter Bradford
April 20, 2011
Thank you Joe for your friendship & all the help you gave to us
BRADFORDS AA/FA Pop Bradford RIP
Paul George
April 20, 2011
..........good thoughts and great memories back to the fifties and the days of Car Clubs. Joe will be remembered by many.
Carl Stouffer
April 20, 2011
I only got to meet Joe one time at the GMC Western States convention in Las Vegas, last year. As anyone who has been involved in one of his engine building seminars, I was greatly impressed with his vast knowledge and experience. It is a shame to loose someone with the incredible talents and gifts that Joe had. He is irreplaceable and will me missed.
April 20, 2011
Mary, dear Mary, you and Joe welcomed me with opened arms when I knew nothing, you both cheered me from afar during my darkest days, and stood steadily by me never asking or questioning or tiring.... thank-you for being one of my steady lights.....hopefully i can do the same. p.s. I know Joe is up there planning that gourmet meal for all of us when we arrive!!!!!! Love and warm embraces.. gina schroeder, diamondbar,ca
Don and Kathy Wilson
April 20, 2011
Joe, you will be truely missed. I thank you for all of many years of great memories. You touched so many lives. I am so thankful for the time we got to spend together at the Hot Rod Reunion in October. You always were so interested in everything going on with our family. Our thoughts and prayres go out to everyone that you left behind.
Mark Engle
April 20, 2011
I called him Uncle Joe, he called me Markie. Joe met my father Jack Engle at Engle Cams when he was 15 in 1951. They started a friendship that lasted their lifetimes. Together Uncle Joe and my father worked on hopping up Oldsmobile engines, Joe on cylinder heads, my father on camshaft designs. Both of their companies benefited from this when they were able to make Oldsmobiles out run Chryslers at the drag strip. This fact is really what put Engle Cams on the map. Joe was around for my whole life, was one of the most honest, loyal, true friends that I have in the performance world. He insisted on porting my heads for my racecar, didn't charge me, I went on to win dozens of races and a championship. Simply Joe was the best. I was blessed to have had the times with him, and have him in my life. My prayers go out to Mary, Bernard, Stephanie, Gina, and Nica and all who Joe left behind too early and suddenly. I will truly miss Uncle Joe. Mark Engle Engle Racing Cams
April 20, 2011
I last spoke with joe at Brian Payne's party during the Mile High Nationals soon after he had wrist surgery. RIP Joe, the racing fraternaty will miss you. Ken Weber, Denver Colorado.
Stormy Byrd
April 20, 2011
Thanks Joe for all the memories I had as a kid watching from the stands at Lions. Say thanks to Sush for me when you see him.
Sandra and Bob Price
April 20, 2011
Mary, Bob and I met you and Joe at DuQuoin last fall. It was inspirational to see you work together with your sales and at the chili cookoff. Last time I saw him at your coach, he put a cup of your delicious chili in my hand. Glad we had the opportunity to spend a little time together. You and your family have been in our prayers.
Forever Altereds - Forever a Shining Star!
Traci Hrudka
April 20, 2011
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” - This is Joe Mondello.
Traci Hrudka - Quarter Mile Foundation/Project 1320
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