Joseph M. De Rico

Joe and my husband were good friends and I met Joe when Thom and I first started dating. Joe visited us in Cincinnati. Joe was great fun to be around. He is missed.

Joe's was a wonderful person to be around. For there was some moment of humor, a lesson in leadership, an observation to discuss, or a passion to share, it was a treat to see Joe in action. He knew how to shared a bit of himself. Joe, thank you for being a model. I shall miss you.

We were blessed to be friends with Joe. Joe gave unselfishly of his time building the Celebrate Recovery ministry at Bethany. We have fond memories of the many hours and days we spent with him in that ministry.

Joe holds a special place in our hearts because he volunteered to guide us through premarital counseling. Although Joe was not married, he had great insight and advice.

There was so much Joe gave in his life and we will forever treasure and remember his wit,...

When I remember Joe, I think: Service, Excellence, Faith, Honor, Veteran, Civil Air Patrol, Air Force, Decorum, Planful, Spendthrifty, Leader, Laughter, Friend, Storyteller, Traveler, Celebrations, Crowns, singing, milk shakes, silly shorts, new car and brother.

Joe and I served as District Leaders together for four years--traveled together and had great dreams for Toastmasters. He served as a Distinguished Toastmaster honoring those who served the organization. He elevated the...

Joe & I first served together in 2000-01 when we were P1 & P2 Area Govs. At the end of our term, he created the first ever "job description" so future Area Govs would know what they were getting into! Over the years, Joe brought his clever humor, exceptional vocabulary - and jar openers! - to every event. He was a wonderful friend and fellow Toastmaster who will be sincerely missed by all of us who experienced the joy of being around him.

I met Joe at my very first Toastmasters conference. We got to be friends when he gave me my first leadership role in Toastmasters. I soon learned he had a wicked sense of humor and the absolutelty best sly smile of anyone I had ever met. I adored his stories and of course his vocabulary. He supported me when others didn't and gave me advice even though he knew I probably wouldn't take.

I will miss my friend Joe. There is a hymm that is very special to me and I wanted to share...

I so enjoyed the pleasure of being in performances with Joe at Bethany Bible Church. He had a way of making me laugh. We kept saying that we should make time to talk as we shared many things in our past.... He worked with a police department, so did I, He worked ambulance, so did I, His mom is Joan, so is mine. We never got that chance to talk. I will miss him but know he is in a better place. I am happy for him.

I admired Joe's leadership, his friendliness, and wonderful, colorful expressions. I shall miss him and I shall remember him as an excellent friend.
Mike Di Cerbo

Absolutely one of the nicest people I knew, Joe had a loving heart, mellow temperament, and a willingness get into the fray and make a difference. I send my peaceful wishes to all friends and family of Joe, as his presence was a remarkable force of goodness that I do not expect to see returned in like simplicity and joy during my life.