Joseph Nemo Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 14, 2009
Reflections about Joe Nemo, Sr.
By Joseph Nemo III
Joe was born on July 16, 1909, to Italian immigrants and lived his
entire life in St. Paul, attending Mechanic Arts High School and the
College of St. Thomas. He married his high-school sweetheart,
Margaret Esch, in November 1935.
Through his career, Joe owned and operated four St. Paul restaurants:
The Roman Café, The New Yorker, the Crossways Restaurant and the
Pioneer Coffee Shop.
Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He spent a
lifetime giving us all an example of “how to live.” For Joe, everyone
he met was a “friend” and he had a remarkable ability to make everyone
feel as though they were the most important people in the world.
Joe was a true “giver” and was a lifetime supporter of the
Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Elmo, having organized
and attended annual retreats at that facility for more than 50 years.
Throughout that time, Joe introduced hundreds of people to the Jesuits
and these retreats. In his restaurant days, Joe regularly provided the
Carmelite Monastery with food and supplies. When he retired, his
(continued on next page)
support continued, as did his support for other groups, including the
Paralyzed Veterans of Minnesota.
A consummate sports fan, Joe loved baseball, basketball and football
and rarely missed a game. In his youth, he played basketball and
semi-pro baseball in the Twin Cities.
Joe loved good Italian food (especially spaghetti and meatballs) as
much as the conversation and personal interaction it spawned. He loved
fishing contests with his grandchildren, tickling feet, “talking politics,”
playing the Powerball and Gopher 5, and telling stories and jokes to
anyone who would listen.
Going “out” for lunch and dinner was a passion of Joe’s, whether it
was with his “Old Farts Club” or his family.
Joe was a quiet advisor, an unassuming life mentor, a compassionate
listener, and an instiller of confidence and gifts for all those who knew
him. He led through his actions and approach to life as much as through
his words.
He will be greatly missed by everyone he blessed in his 100 years
of life.
October 13, 2009
Dear Joe and family
The Management, staff and residents of Realife Cooperative of Osseo send our sincerest sympathies in the loss of your father and grandfather.
Lynn Moe
Manager, Realife of Osseo
Kevin Sauter
October 13, 2009
My sympathies to the Nemo family upon the death of Mr. Nemo. I have long been an admirer of all of the Nemos with whom I have had contact, especially, John, Pat and John Jr. I am sure the intellect and good heart displayed by these individuals is in part an influence of the elder Mr. Nemo. May his soul rest in peace.
Bob & Gloria Kleinhans
October 13, 2009
Dear Joe and Dianne,
Please accept our sympathy in the loss of your father. Sorry we won't be at the funeral, but Your family is in our prayers.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Daniel Lange
October 12, 2009
Dear Nemo Family:
The World truly is dimmer, know that one it's brightest lights has gone out. Grandpa Nemo was a great man. My fondest memory of him goes way back to when I was just a little guy. I used to spend time over at Diane and Joe's after school and when my Parents went on vacation. Joe Sr. would enter the house and always called me Oscar. He would call me by that name everytime he would see me from that day forward, even into my mid twenties. He was a man that knew how to make me laugh. God Bless you Joseph Nemo Sr.! Heaven has called home one of it's best!! May the light of the Lords face shine upon him!!
Jim Daly
October 12, 2009
Dear Joe and Diane:
More than fifty years ago your parents welcomed me into their home, the start of many pleasant memories.
Please convey the condolences of the Daly family to your mother. You are in our prayers.
October 12, 2009
Joe, Jr. and family...please accept our sympathy in the death of your Father.
Independence Place Cooperative of Willmar, Michelle Gauer H.D.
Wanda Shepard
October 12, 2009
Anne - So sorry to hear of the passing of your Papa. Hang on to all the wonderful memories you have. The pictures you posted are great.
To the Nemo Family - As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
MA WEB SITE
Robert Clarence CRAMER USN RETIRED
October 12, 2009
ONE OF HIS FILES ON THE GEORGE WEITBRECHT MECHANIC ARTS HIGH SCHOOL WEB SITE
Betty and Dave Strate
October 11, 2009
Margaret, Joe, Dianne and the rest of the Nemo family. Please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathy in this time of your loss.
Happy Papa after his Birthday Wish
October 11, 2009
All 18 of his Great Grand Children during his Wish
October 11, 2009
ALL 4 GENERATIONS!!
October 11, 2009
Papa in front of his cake
October 11, 2009
My Dad and Papa
October 11, 2009
Kissing Papa on his 100th Birthday
October 11, 2009
You lived 100 years, and mad eit on the Jelly Jam Jars!! <3
Anne Marie (great granddaughter)
October 11, 2009
Papa,
I love you so much. I'll never forget going to Mass at the Cathedral with you and G.G. every Sunday morning. I keep having dreams I am running up, down, and around those deep green stairs from the living room up and back down to the kitchen. I remember going to brunch after Mass. I remember how excited my Dad would get when he would tell us stories of you and your father from the railroad and your basketball days. My favorite story is the one where you rode your bike and whistled at G.G. You were that annoying Italian boy that she soon would fall in love with and spend 74 unforgettable years with. I remember how scared I was each and every time something went wrong, and I'll never forget holding your warm hand and praying with everyone as you took your last breaths. I love you and will never forget what you taught. You taught us all to cherish our family, enjoy great Italian cuisine, and trust in the Lord with all we have. Please tell My grandpa Mazzitello how much I miss him. You boys have fun and please look down on us. I love you Papa, Goodbye.
Mike Carr
October 11, 2009
Joe, Mike and the rest of the Nemo family,
Even though I've never met him, if Grandpa Joe was your example, we've been blessed by his lasting gift of 'how to live'. I know how much he meant to you and how he encouraged you while enjoying sports, fishing, Italian food and family time. It's quite a trick to pass on one's faith and yet he was able to get the Nemo boys and others to decades of spiritual retreats at Demontreville. A testament to your Grandpa is how your family joined hands to care for him these last many months. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate this full and other-centered life.
Always,
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
575 South Snelling Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Make a Donation
in Joseph Nemo's name
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Nemo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
