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Joseph Ghirardelli Obituary
Joseph "Joey" Ghirardelli passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the age of 20 in Breckenridge, CO. He was with his parents and brother, Michael at the time of his death. Joey had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and lived the life he was given with optimism, grace, bravery and a great sense of humor. The words of his dear friend Erin Danastasio say it best - "Today was a day I have been dreading most of my life. Though we all knew Joey would pass from this life too early, we didn't expect it now. Joey was always the kind of person who, no matter what kind of mood you were in, could make you smile. He loved everyone, saw all the beauty this world has to offer, was kind, funny, giving, caring, loving, intelligent beyond his years, and had one of my all time favorite laughs. And talk about being optimistic. He was so brave. Joey was truly one of a kind, and the world is a better place because of him. He was family to all of us."
Joey loved his family, friends and any kind of dog on the street, but especially his dogs Sparkles, Boo and Zoey. He loved automobiles, gardening, computers and learning. He was intelligent and pure of heart. Joey touched and changed so many lives and his smile lit up any room he was in. He had a great sense of humor!
Joey attended Immaculate Conception school through eighth grade, Springfield Catholic High School and Drury University. His highlight in college was becoming a Sigma Nu.
We will remember Joey for all the Joy he brought to those around him, and he signified all that is good and kind in the world.
Joey is survived by his parents, John and Colleen Ghirardelli, his brothers Michael Ghirardelli and Johnny (Katherine) Ghirardelli. He will be met in Heaven by his paternal grandparents, Joe and Mary Louise Ghirardelli and his maternal grandparents, Magne and Lyleen Berg.
A prayer service will be held on Friday at 6:00 p.m. April 5, 2013 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be led in the church by Fr. Fergus Monaghan and Monsignor Thomas Reidy at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday April 6, 2013, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 425 South Union Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 or the Springfield Catholic High School Capital Campaign, Springfield Catholic Schools Central Offices, 2340 S. Eastgate, Springfield, MO 65809 . Both of these were causes near and dear to Joey's heart.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ghirardelli
Sharon Harter
November 20, 2013
I am saddened to hear about Joey's passing. He had a smile the couple of times I met with Joey.
- Sharon, Wish Granter
Make-A-Wish Missouri
November 20, 2013
To the Family of Joey Ghirardelli,
We just recently heard about Joey's passing and want you to know how saddended our hearts are to hear of this news. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Joey was quite the guy and it was so nice to have had the opportunity to meet him.
Jason & Brittany Morton
May 16, 2013
John, Colleen, & Family,
We just recently learned of Joey's passing. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Joey was such a strong, sweet young man and we really enjoyed talking with him during the Festival of Hope ceremonies.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~Jason & Brittany Morton with Eagle Ridge Saw Works
Sally Jo and Cy Sherwood
April 10, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Having met Joey only a few times, we knew what a remarkable young man he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. What a wonderful reunion he must have had with Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe.
Keely Ghirardelli
April 8, 2013
Johnny, Colleen & Family,
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie White
April 6, 2013
For Joey
Debbie White
April 6, 2013
I remember Joey in Cub Scouts meeting in the music room and,later, in the cafeteria at lunch. He always had a group of friends around him aand always smiling. He was always so sweet and polite. The last time I saw him at graduation, he was so happy and proud. I know he's keeping everyone smiling in heaven, just as he did here. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I know Joey is watching over you and will be with you always in your hearts. He was a very special young man.
Cory Ghirardelli-Henrie
April 5, 2013
Johnny & Coleen & Family,
Know that you are in our hearts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Carol Van Rhein
April 5, 2013
Colleen, John, and family, I echo the sentiments of all those whose lives were touched by Joey. His memory will always be associated with true joy and courage. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
The Farris family
April 5, 2013
God bless Joey and the Ghirardelli family. Our love and prayers go out to you. Joey left a beautiful, joyful footprint on this earth!
The Barbaglia's
April 5, 2013
We have always heard so much of Joey and the blessing he was for those who knew him. His life was clearly a testament of true strength, a gift from God to all. All our love.
JoAnn Gholz-Inmom
April 5, 2013
Joey wii always be in my heart and in my prayers I will always remember his smile and his fun spirit He was loved by so many people. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time
April 5, 2013
We have so enjoyed getting to know Joey in the past ten years. He was an amazing person with an amazing family. We feel blessed to have known him. We are praying for peace for all of you.
Gil, Julie, and Nate Trout
The Larsons Kirk, Debbie, Michael, Shelby and Michaelah
April 5, 2013
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of you. Joey was a wonderful young man. His face always had a smile on it. May God be with you during this most difficult time in your life.
April 5, 2013
Colleen, I am so sorry for your loss....a story about Joey....remember when I babysat him and Michael way back when Michael was around 4 months old.....Michael cried the whole time you and John were gone and by the end of the evening so was Joey and I.......
Emily Keeling
April 4, 2013
To Joey's family,
I met Joey last semester in Spanish lab. Seeing him was always a significant bright spot in my day. Joey was so smart, and it was obvious that he viewed every moment as a special gift to be cherished. He always made me smile, and he has inspired me to live my life more joyfully and fully. I had the privilege of trading Spanish compositions with Joey for peer editing, and he wrote an amazing tribute to his mom. I will always remember how much his writing touched me. I can only be grateful that the world was brightened by Joey's presence and that I got to experience the light and joy he brought into every room. Joey is dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Typaldos Family
April 4, 2013
We are all so saddened by his passing. Johnny loved him and Felicia just told me about the time he chased down the hall in his wheelchair. He's a fun kid and will be missed!
Leader of the Pack
Dean, Carol, Dennis, Meriel Yingling
April 4, 2013
Our family was so blessed to have the Ghirardelli family as neighbors in Springfield when Joey was a young boy. Joey's light shined bright even at an early age. He was the leader of the pack of about ten young boys and girls and I remember well the joy of childrens laughter as Joey was organizing yet game of tag or run through the sprinkler or the famous bike races that he always seemed to win. Joey still had that light and leader of the pack attitude during our last visit with the family a few months ago. It's funny, the laughs that Joey coaxed out of the adults were just a genuine as those of the children many years ago.
As I have been thinking about Joey over the last few days something came to my mind that a friend told me during a high school football practice. He stated "Remember, your body can go a lot further even after your mind says it's tired." In Joey's case, I am sure that his mind took his body a lot further even after his body became tired.
We love you all.
Anne & Andy Walls
April 4, 2013
We are saddened by the loss of this incredible young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The Watermans
April 4, 2013
We were sooo sad to hear about Joey...We have been sharing stories about all the fun times Joey and the boys had at your house with the pool and the golf cart and how they loved it when they could get him tickled. He had a wonderful and infectious laugh! We are so sorry and want you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Michael Homeyer
April 4, 2013
John and family,
Angie and I were so saddened to learn today of Joey's passing. While we didn't know him, we have heard so much about Joey's strength, optimism, grace, and humor. Please know we will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne Craigmyle
April 4, 2013
I have so many wonderful memories of Joey during our years as neighbors. I think my two fondest though are remembering him talk about his garden and "digging to China". His laugh was truly infectious and his heart for others was second to none. He will be missed by all who knew him.
May God hold your family in his loving arms during this difficult time. Our love to you all!
Marilyn Batson
April 4, 2013
A beautiful child. My thoughts and prayers are with Colleen, John, and family.
Sue Leiter
April 4, 2013
The vision that will be forever etched in my memory of Joey is he very infectious smile. No matter how I am feeling, his smile made all the difference. May our wonderful Lord provide your family with courage and strength to get through this time.
Dustin Bowman
April 4, 2013
I never saw Joey without a smile on his face. He will be forever missed. Thoughts & prayers.
Michal Moss Early
April 4, 2013
Words cannot express our deepest sympathy. Prayers and love for you all.
Susan Hart
April 4, 2013
Isaw Joey's eyes light up when he was handed the Golden Doodle puppy at Hooked on Dance last year. Even though I didn't know Joey, please accept my sympathies.
April 4, 2013
Joey was a wonderful member to our Drury University community! Ed Derr
Marcella
April 4, 2013
What a beautiful gift God gave to all of us as we came to know and love Joey. With his loving and cheerful manner everyone would feel so welcome and important and a friend of Joey's. We are so saddened for your loss. May the Holy Spirit give you strength. Love & prayers.. The Klingers...
April 4, 2013
Although I do not know you, My heart is with you. My brother passed from DMD in 2008, and it is still hard. The pain is still there, but it does get easier. Joey sounds like a wonderful young man, and keep the positive attitude he had with you at all times.
Connie Meyer
April 4, 2013
I have such wonderful memories of Joey during his years at IC. He will truly be missed by everyone.
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