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Joseph Mendelis Obituary

JOSEPH MENDELIS
FORMERLY OF ITHACA - Joseph Mendelis, 26, of Concord, North Carolina and formerly of Ithaca, passed away suddenly on May 25, 2008.
Joe was born July 18, 1981 in Ithaca, NY, a place he loved and always found his way back to. A fascination for engines and genius with numbers led him to Houston, TX, where he earned his credentials from the School of Automotive Machinists in 2003, and began his calling in the race industry. His career was one of his great passions, and Joe worked for many successful race teams in the Charlotte, NC area, where he became nationally recognized as one of the most prominent in his field. His insatiable curiosity and constant craving of knowledge made him a master in his field, and also helped Joe see the world as an amazing and wondrous place. His gentle heart cradled a soft spot for animals and a love for the peacefulness of the outdoors. He especially adored his nephews, who will miss their job of waking up their Uncle Joey Sunday mornings.
Joe could travel the world and always see someone he knew. His personality was magnetic, and he leaves behind a trail from coast to coast of people who love him. Joe watches over us with his father, Joseph F. Mendelis, who predeceased him in 1997. He is survived by his mother, JoEllen Hedlund and her husband, Dalva Hedlund; his brother and best friend, John Mendelis and wife, Jaime and their sons, John and Thomas; his brother, Christopher Mendelis; and his maternal grandparents, Joan and Ray Babbitt. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Christopher J. Mendelis; and his paternal grandmother, Anna Mendelis, predeceased him. Joe will be sorely missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his "second family" of very close friends in North Carolina, including Bryson, Steve, Kayla, Shane, Hollie, Kevin, Chase, Brian, and Luke, to name a few. They loved him and nurtured his passion for all things.
A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 210 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, on Saturday, May 31, 2008, 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor his love of animals, donations to the Tompkins County SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, are suggested.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal from May 27 to May 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Mendelis

Not sure what to say?





Erik Koenig

May 22, 2021

I can't believe it's been so long Joe since I last talked to you. I know you are in a better place than we are so someday I will talk with you again so until then take it easy up there.

Stephanie Nelson

July 18, 2008

JoEllen, Dalva, John, Jaime, Johnny, Tommy, Chris, family and friends,
Thinking of everyone today with deep compassion……

It is impossible to measure a life. One cannot put a value on a life or on the meaningful friendship one had with Joey. Just like our fingerprints no two lives are the same. As a young girl I loved this sonnet by Christina Rossetti and it still brings me comfort.

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

My hope is everyone is able to hold tightly to the empowering person Joey was who embodied sincere honesty in all walks of his life. Joey promoted a positive encouragement to others in their lives when they needed to hear words that supported, helped them to grow or shed a new perspective on a situation. He was a wonderful person with a soul that resonant to many people. Joey had a passion to explore, discover and create. To watch him work showed how uniquely special he was at what he was most passionate about. The time, effort and precision he put into his work was awe-inspiring. My hope and prayer for today and every day is for everyone to hold the meaningful memories of Joey close. He always saw beauty all around him every day. Joey once sent me a text that read “I hope you have a great day at school today—today’s are always the best because there has never been one before I love today’s!” I hope you have a great day today because there has never been a today like today before I love today’s also.

In compassion

Deborah Dennis

June 13, 2008

JoEllen,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We send you and your family heartfelt thoughts of love and sympathy. You will be in our prayers. Joanne and Deb

Kevin Konchan

June 3, 2008

Hey Joe,
It was a pleasure always chatting with you, All the knowledge you gave me and the pointer was a great help and will be missed.. I wish I would have moved up there with you when we talked about you taking me on as a apprentice. Maybe it would have changed the outcome. You will always be missed!!!!!!! I don't know how much to stress this. I will be going to SAM in the next year to hope to learn what you knew. I am so sorry to the family. I just heard about the death. If I would have know I would have flew up there to pay respect. Rest In Peace Joe!!!!

Jamie Davis

June 2, 2008

I met Joey through my friend Andrea in NH. They came to visit me at my house and stayed the weekend. Every person that Joey met that weekend instantly loved and trusted him. His warm, generous and caring nature emanated and the people around him picked up on it. There are some people that you meet once that can change your life and he was one of them. He truly will be missed.

Michael Salmirs

June 2, 2008

Dear JoEllen and Family,

Roberta and I just found out today about your loss. He sounds like such a wonderful young man and we offer our deepest felt prayers to you and your family. We also love animals and we'll be making a contribution to the SPCA in Joe's name.

Michael Salmirs and Roberta Crawford

Pamela Webster

June 2, 2008

JoEllen & Family--

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine the sorrow you must feel.

I was touched to see notes from some of the many people who cared for Joe. JoEllen, I hope you can receive some comfort from knowing that you raised a young man who gave so much to others in his short life.

Blessings to you all--

Mark & Chris Kenjerska

June 1, 2008

Jo Ellen & Family--
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I had just seen Joe in Wegman's the middle of May. We were very shocked to hear this saddening news. Our love goes out to your family.

Marlon Walker

May 31, 2008

My deepest condolences,
I was very sad to hear of Joe's passing. My mother called me to tell me what had happened. I remember attending school with Joe, several bus rides all over South Hill, the trip to Niagara Falls in 5th grade, and growing older and moving on. I was excited to hear of his love for engines and racing, it all made sense. My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been touched by Joe and who will miss him dearly. God bless.

Doug Holmes

May 31, 2008

I am at a loss for words. I had known Joe for a few years and he worked with me for one. I have to say he was the smartest guy I ever met.

Brenda Miller

May 31, 2008

Jo Ellen & Family,

Our deepest condolences are with you and your family today as you grieve. Joe was very special to us I will never forget his big smile and wonderful personality. If I can do anything for you please let me know.

Joe, Maria, Christina, Tyler & Michael Salino

May 31, 2008

JoEllen & Family,
Our prayers are with you & your family through this difficult time. Joe became one of our favorite customers at the Italian Carry Out. We had only known Joe for 6 years, but he never failed to make us one of his first stops when he arrived in town. He could not wait to have his 2 slice pepperoni pizza special. Joe became a good friend to our family and emloyees. We will miss his smiling face, great personality!

Nicole and Bradly (Makepeace) Krauss

May 31, 2008

I remember going to school with Joey he was such a great guy. He always made class fun no matter how dull the material was. He could to take the conversations in class to such a humorous level. I sincerely wish I got to know Joey after High School. It sounds like he turned into a fine young gentleman and touched the lives of so many people. Fortunately, my husband was able to know Joey and the family and share the passion of cars and getting the most out of them. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family, friends and all those whom Joey’s life has touched. Joey lives on through all of our memories and may we all cherish the time we did know him.

Terry Donlick

May 31, 2008

JoEllen,
As I have read the comments of those who knew and loved your son Joey, I could feel the love of those who he has touched in so many special ways. What a wonderful young man he was. I cannot fully understand the grief that you are feeling at this time, but I do know that God's grace is sufficient to carry you though. Your wonderful son is with the Lord and safe in His loving arms. You can be confident of that. My thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family. If I can do anything, please don't hesitate ask me.

Adriana Martinez Sanchez

May 30, 2008

JoEllen
My US mom im really sorry i wish to be there with you i am very sad for lossing one of my big brothers, he will be always in my heart i will always remember when he took me this december to know about his job and all the wird things about it, i will miss my brother, love you Joey..

Emily Molloy (Heegard)

May 30, 2008

Ahhh Joey... He was such a light! There are so many memories of riding the bus, and living on South Hill. He was an amazing person who left this place too soon. My sincerest condolences. Rest in Peace my friend!

Roni Mays

May 30, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Bob Larkin

May 30, 2008

My sincere condolences to the Mendelis Family,...I was able to meet Joe in N.C. and we spent time together @ the '05 PRI trade show. He was a great guy and we shared a passion for engines and engine building...May he rest in peace.

Darren Barnes

May 30, 2008

To the family and friends of Joe,

My deepest condolences...Joe and I went to South Hill together. Although I have not seen joe in many years he has not been forgotten. I feel like it was not that long ago we were playing baseball together. I wish I could have seen him again. I am sorry for your loss - Joe You will be missed!

Al & Melissa Ciappa

May 30, 2008

To all of Joey's family
It was such an honor to know Joey. My boys adored him and loved working on the cars with him.Joey was such a big kid himself ;o) I always had to laugh when he came over to play video games with the boys and they would argue over the cars.He will be missed so much.He was an amazing guy and a great friend to all, he will be forever in our hearts. If there is anything we can do for you please give us a call.

Kimberly Lattin

May 30, 2008

John and Jaime,
I am so sorry for your loss. I saw the name in the Ithaca Journal and lost my breath. If I can do anything, anything please contact me.

Wayne and Cindy Middendorf

May 30, 2008

Jaime, John, Johnny, Tommy, JoEllen,

We wish there were words that could comfort you. Let these guest book entries be proof positive of how many people loved Joey, of the remarkable influences he had on so many lives, and of the depth of compassion we are all feeling for you right now.
Love,

Becky DeMay

May 30, 2008

Jo Ellen,

You know me by "Becky Petrillose" when we all lived in Deer Run. Joey was always at our house and went with us to my mom and dad's at Keuka Lake along with my son Chris Petrillose. I was absolutely shocked when my son called me and told me this news. We just saw "Joey" while Chris was building his house...we were all there doing insulation together. Joey has always been there for my son Chris...when he had to go to the ER in Penn Yan, when he fell over a stone bank and had to have stitches in his head. He went to Chris' Ithaca College graduation and joined us all for lunch - I hardly recognized the "little red head" because he was all grown up! I am so sorry for all of you and our prayers are with you. We loved "Joey" we called him the little red head when the boys were young ! And yes they liked to throw stones. I am so sorry for your loss. Joey was such a fine young man and I am so glad I saw him back in February of this year when we were doing insulation. He was helping my son and that's what Joey was all about - He was to be in my son's wedding on July 12th this year - we are so sad. We are saying prayers for Joey now that he is with his dad and watching over your family.

Becky and Dan DeMay

Nicole Quick

May 30, 2008

My sincerest condolences...I'm at a loss for words and can only express my deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to all who knew and loved Joe. I've known Joe since college...many memories never to be forgotten. Joe will always have a place in my heart because of the person he was and the time we shared together. He changed my life in many ways for the better and I will be eternally grateful to him for that. I hope you and your family find comfort in knowing he is in Heaven now watching over us all. Joe will be truly missed, loved and remembered always...

Amy and Dathan Hall

May 29, 2008

We did not know Joe really well but he was a honorary resident on our cul-de-sac. I have heard so many neat Joe stories and it is so amazing what God has done in his life to make certain that he was prepared for heaven. Though we all struggle in dealing with such an earthly tragedy, Joe would be very happy to know how many people have turned to God in prayer. Please know that I send my condolences for all who knew and loved him. I also send my prayers that his death and his life will lead others to a relationship with Christ.

Becky Coldwell

May 29, 2008

Jo Ellen, Dalva, John, Jaime, Johnny, Tommy and Chris,

I know your hearts are broken and that there are no words or deeds possible that can bring complete comfort your souls at this time. I will always remember Joey for his amazing knowledge of trivial facts and his smile that always brightened any room he entered.

Please know that you are all in my thoughts each and every day.
Love,
Becky

Melissa Bianconi

May 29, 2008

Jo Ellen and Family--

I am so shocked and deeply saddened by this news. From the days of Deer Run (where Joey would throw rocks at my window to get me to come outside) to present day, Joe was always considered a part of our family. I know it has been a long while since we saw you last, but please don't hesitate to call on any of us for anything you need. Joey and Chris were always happy to help my family, and I would be proud to return the favor in this time of grief.

Angela Krauss

May 29, 2008

I only new Joe for a short time before returning to Texas, he was always over talking with my husband, I am very sorry for your loss Jo Ellen. I will leave you with a fond memory I had of Joe. My daughter was about 8 months old when Joe came around, and she loved him. She would turn beet red just by him saying " Hey Cutie" she adored Joe and he was a good friend, to everyone

Edward Krauss

May 29, 2008

To the family of Joe,
I am truly and deeply sorry for the loss of your son Joe. I am very saddened by how his young life was so shortly cut. I knew Joe from when we worked at the Tompkins County Highway Department together. We became good friends from the first time we met and had many good times together. I didn't know Joe for very long but it feels like I've known him for ever. He was so full of life and always made you laugh. He was a great friend and will be sorely missed. Again, I am truly sorry for your loss and I will miss him severely.

Joey working on his passion 5/20/08

May 29, 2008

Joey doing what he loved 5/20/08

May 29, 2008

Joey at the shop 5/20/08

May 29, 2008

Joey and Bryson 5/19/08

May 29, 2008

Brett Burgess

May 29, 2008

My sincere condolences,

It seems like yesterday, I was playing baseball, and building bikes with Joe. Spending time in the neighborhood, and listening to music with Joe.

It breaks my heart to see another figure of the South Hill Community pass so early. He will be missed and remembered greatly.

Regards,

Brett Burgess

Scott Smith

May 29, 2008

I have known Joe since elementary school; he has been like a brother to me. He has always been there for me in every moment I needed him and has helped me through all the hard times I have had.
Joe was more than just a buddy or pal. He was someone you looked up to and was always there for you through thick and thin. His intelligence on motors can never be out done. He always "talked the talk" about motors and left us wondering what he was talking about when he knew every word was a true testament to his intelligence about what he loved to do. Joe was known for “The Stang” (Mustang)

There has not been a day that has gone by since I found out Joe passed away that I have not shed a tear - he was closer to me than anyone will ever know. He has been a huge influence on my life.

I will never forget the times that I had with him. I will miss you!

Kim & Sheldon Gosline

May 29, 2008

As we prepare today to go aid the earthquake survivers in China we are reminded again what a blessed gift life is and how we need to treasure every moment. JoEllen, we can not imagine the deepness of your loss, but please let us know how we can help.

Asia Sandvik

May 29, 2008

JoEllen,
I was deeply sadenned to hear of Joey's passing. He was a firecracker of a young man that I will always remember with fondness and a special appreciation. Joe was one of my first students and truly one of my favorites! He will be deeply missed.

Stephanie Nelson

May 29, 2008

Hi JoEllen, Family and Friends,
I wanted to share recent photos of Joey in North Carolina. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone as they are dealing with the loss of an amazing human being that was self less in so many ways. Asking what do you need? or What can I do to help? Was a huge part of who he was as a human being. It is nearly impossible to measure the impact of one human life but I would say his life was lived at the highest RPM possible because of his passion, compassion for others, honesty and sense of humor. I am very thankful to have had him in my life. The impression and impact is priceless.

Natalie Bertoia

May 29, 2008

Jo Ellen and family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have many warm memories of the times we spent growing up, and always looked forward to hearing of his new pursuits and plans for the future. Joey will be deeply missed.

Marc Catone

May 29, 2008

JoEllen and Family,

Our sincere condolences on the loss of your son, Joe. It seems like only yesterday that you called to tell us of his birth. We hope you find comfort in the numerous and loving testimonies contained in this guestbook.

Love,

Marc and Donna Catone

Nancy McKittrick

May 29, 2008

JoEllen,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Joe. My thought and prayers are with his family.

Nancy McKittrick

Mike and Pat Brown

May 29, 2008

We are thinking of you today with deep and sincere sympathy.

Carmen Applegarth

May 29, 2008

My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I just met Joe a year ago. Very outgoing and loving person. Always loved to help others. I pray that you all will find peace. He touch many people with positve memories. Always remember now that he is everyone's guarding angel. God Bless you all.

Margo Umholtz

May 29, 2008

Jo Ellen, Dalva and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.

Dayton & Margo Umholtz

Mark Nelson

May 29, 2008

I was so shocked to see Joey's picture in this morning's paper - he was far too young. I taught Joey in the SWS program at Ithaca High School. As a student, he was intelligent, mercurial, passionate about his opinions, humorous and often very frustrating. I am glad to see that he found a profession that allowed him to focus his attention and channel his energy. Joey's family and friends are in my thoughts.

Candace Serra

May 29, 2008

JoEllen - I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Joe. I remember talking about him with you over the years, as we compared stories of our children. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Kathryn Winfield

May 29, 2008

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Joe. He and I dated for a year and a half when he lived in Houston and North Carolina. I even spent my first Christmas away from family to be with his and it was wonderful. I have never stopped thinking of him and caring for him. My heart goes out to your families. I am sorry for the loss of his life, but I am glad for the continuance of yours. God speed...

Jennifer Lawrence Birnbaum

May 29, 2008

JoEllen and family -

We are SO sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Jennifer, Mark and Zeke

Nancy Potter & George Gull

May 28, 2008

Dear JoEllen,
Our prayers for comfort are with you, all of your family, and the extensive network of love Joe's life inspired. We hold you close in our hearts and offer our friendship for support as you reweave your life.

Scooter Guerrero

May 28, 2008

To all the Friends and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Its hard to find words to describe what a great person Joe was. I got to know him during my time at SAM. He was a great friend and is truely a great loss. I'll miss you pipe!

kim caforio-nunciato

May 28, 2008

JoEllen and family,
It was truly my pleasure to know Joey when he was a student at IHS.There are so many great things to reflect on about him.He was a special person to me and I am honored that I shared a part of Joey's life.He will always be in my heart.My prayers are with you.There are no words to express how sorry I feel for all of you.God Speed!

Lee Broat

May 28, 2008

JoEllen, Dalva, John, Jaime, Johnny, Tommy and Chris: My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joey was a special guy with a real zest for living. He had a kind heart and loved his family very much.

Minnette Jordan and Scott Babbitt

May 28, 2008

JoEllen and family,

Please know we are thinking of you during this most difficult time.

Erin Whipple

May 28, 2008

Growing up on South Hill, I will always remember Joey’s ability to make our school bus rides endlessly fun and entertaining. I was so glad to see him in Ithaca last Christmas. My thoughts are with his family and friends, I am truly sorry for your loss.

Jason Schultz

May 28, 2008

My thoughts and condolences go out to all of Joe's family and friends.

Joe will be greatly missed everywhere. He was truly a great guy and would always make me laugh with his great sense of humor. He always would have great stories about family and friends and loved moving back home to be closer to them. He would truly do anything for anybody, often drving thru snow storms, just to work on Race Motors in North Carolina the following morning. We spent long hours in my shop together, drinking together, or sorting things out on the phone and he would always answer any technical questons I had for him. My dad too will really miss Joe, "he always treated me with such respect."
We all have nothing but great things to say about Joe, because he was such a genuine great guy.

Monica Bertoia

May 28, 2008

Dear Jo Ellen,

Joey is a big part of my childhood memories. He added so much fun and excitement to my life when we were neighbors, growing up together on South Hill. I really looked forward to seeing him every year or two when he, Natalie, and I were all back home in Ithaca. He was a special person and I'll miss his loveable charm and enthusiasm. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Dean Shea

May 28, 2008

JoEllen and Family:

My sincere sympathies and condolences at the loss of your beloved son. I do not understand the depth of your loss, but I pray that you will be surrounded by those who love you and comforted in your grief.

Keith James

May 28, 2008

My deepest symapathies to Joey's family and the rest of his friends. I only knew Joey for a year or so, but I grew to consider him one of my closest friends. He will be sadly missed. He excelled in everything that he did, especially life in general. My wife could always tell when I was on the phone with him because it was always at least an hour and I was always smiling when I got off the phone. Deepest symapthies once again to his family.

Ed Curtis

May 28, 2008

You will be sorely missed Joe. Thank you for all your technical expertise, the racing insight and of course, your crazy sense of humor.

Ed Curtis & the whole gang from HardcoreLS1.com

Kayla, Joe and Steve 2008

Beth Vance

May 28, 2008

I met Joe when my family traveled to Charlotte for the Nascar All-Star Race May 17, 2008. While we are looking forward to another visit with my sister Kayla and Steve this summer, we are so sad that we won't get to spend more time with Joe. He was a very special person who we feel blessed to have met! We have shared many laughs about things Joe did and said that weekend!
I have attached a picture which is a favorite of mine. (Kayla, Joe, and Steve 2008)

Daniel Haught

May 28, 2008

I am at a loss for words. Joe was a great friend and person. I will miss talking to him. My prayers go out to all his friends and family.

Mike Thompson

May 28, 2008

I'm shocked and so, so sorry. Joe was smart and a good friend. I will miss him. My thought and prayers are with his family.

Peggy Bauman

May 28, 2008

To Jo Ellen and her remaining sons, I only knew Joey for the last 10 months. I loved your son very much and am blessed to have had the time that I did have with him. He was an old soul with a huge heart. His compassion for others always amazed me. He ALWAYS stopped to help others if he was driving and saw someone in trouble. It didn't matter if he was going to be late for a final test or late for an appointment. He just plain cared about people. I have grown and changed into a better person for having known him. He will always be in my heart. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this most difficult time.

Stephanie Nelson

May 28, 2008

JoEllen and Family,
I feel for you all right now at this time that all of us do not understand. Joey had a passion for life! He loved his family, friends, engines and God. He loved the beauty of the world that surrounded him. He made the world a better place and made those he was friends with better people. I am changed because I knew him. He was beyond amazing! It is difficult to put into words how special he was. My prayer today for all that will miss Joey is that everyone can hold on to their extraordinary memories of a memorable man that changed lives and made the world a better place by being born. Now when I hear thunder I will know that it is coming from one of the fastest engines in heaven designed by one of the best in the field. To also think he is able to see in color for all eternity is amazing. God Bless.
Love
Stephanie

Curtis Boggs

May 28, 2008

Joe was a great guy, I didn't know him that well,
but the time I got to spend as his friend was very meaningful.

I'll miss him.

my best to his family.

Erik Koenig

May 27, 2008

I am very sorry for the loss of your son Joe and for the other family and friends he has up in NY there where he was from as well as his friends all over the USA. I was very fortunate to know Joe for a few years while he was down here in Houston at the School of Automotive Machinists where I worked and I have kept up with him every few weeks for the last several years.

He was one of my favorite students and I will miss Joe very much. I know he was loved by so many and made so many around me laugh with his funny stories and nicknames for everything. He always talked of how nice it was up there in upstate NY and I know he was so happy to be back there. I wish I could have visited up there sooner.

Audrey Hopkins

May 27, 2008

Jo Ellen and Family
My heart aches for you. I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking about you.

Caleb Hicks

May 27, 2008

To all of Joe's family and friends,

I can only say that he and all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. His extended family went well beyond the state lines of New York, and the northeast. Please, if there is anything, no matter how small, please lean on me during this hard time. I hope I get to see you this weekend, and I’m truly sorry for your loss.

Dorothy Stout

May 27, 2008

I am at a loss for words to console you, I don't believe there are any. I can only say that I am grieved beyond anything you can imagine, as I know you are too. I cannot look anywhere around my house and not see something that reminds me of Joe - he helped me out so much when he was living here. No matter what happened, I loved him like a son, which I always wished would have been the case. We had so many "late night" conversations, laughing and crying together!
I know for a fact that he was a "born-again" Christian, I know that he is with the Lord now and rejoicing with Jesus. That is the only thing that keeps me going at this point. I hope that will help you as well. Much Love, Dorothy

Lori West

May 27, 2008

To Joey's Family & Friends-
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Janine Hedges

May 27, 2008

Joellen and family.
I am so sorry about your son...God speed to him..
Janine Hedges

Chelsey Kingsley

May 27, 2008

Jo Ellen,
We are deeply sad for the loss of your son. Of course we hear the news from the perspective of being parents ourselves, all we can hope to convey is the enormous compassion and love we wish for you and your family.
Chelsey & John Kingsley

Chris Petrillose

May 27, 2008

Jo Ellen,
Joey has been a huge influence on my life. We have always been there for eachother since we were 5 years old growing up on Deer Run. Just yesterday we were talking about our plans when got back into town. His trust, values and morals will always be with me.

Mary Stein

May 27, 2008

Jo Ellen,
What a pleasant time I had talking over 'old' times with Joey the last time I saw him. From a goofy little cub scout to a fine young man, a pleasure to speak with. My heart is with you and Joey's brothers.

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Ways to honor Joseph Mendelis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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