Joseph Anthony Amormino

Joseph Anthony Amormino, age 62 of Warren, died Sunday, September 9, 2018 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born February 15, 1956 in Detroit, son of the late Anthony Joseph and the late Anna Marie (nee: Gesch) Amormino. The year 1974 was a banner year for Joe for a number of reasons, but we'll begin by mentioning that it was the "payoff year" after all of his hard work in school when he proudly joined the rest of his fellow graduates, the Class of '74, from Roseville High School. Joe truly excelled through his high school experience by applying himself and keeping his eye on the prize until that day he strolled across the stage to receive his first academic evidence of achievement, his coveted diploma. Now, with a bevy of options before him, it was time for Joe to decide which direction he was headed and how furthering education played a part. Not so much collegiate, but rather a more perfect fit for the working class, Joe decided to follow the path of the trades and sought the field of HVAC engineering as his focus. Entering a union trade school to begin that journey, Joe eventually received his engineering credentials and ultimately landed a primo position with the newspaper giant, The Detroit Free Press. Initially holding the position of HVAC engineer for the plant, Joe's longevity and loyalty would bear positive fruit when he was promoted to Director of Facilities Operations. It was truly a proud moment for Joe, a validation of his hard work ethics and dedication to the task at hand. Just like his high school diploma,…his trade school credentials,…and now his esteemed elevation at work, Joe was the kind of guy who knew what he wanted and kept his nose to the grindstone. And not just at work, time away from the job still found Joe ready & able to step up to the plate when needed,…for he truly personified the definition of a "Mr. Fix-It." Instilled with a plethora of skills and know-how, there wasn't much that Joe didn't know to fix, adjust, or simply monkey with until a solution was reached. He was an amazing source of knowledge and exuded an uncanny sense of experience that set him apart. Joe was always willing to help where needed,…and often did. Joe's life was a wonderful reflection of the blessings that embodied it, and none was more precious than the woman God gave him to love, Miss Deborah Hassig. It was a romance that began, quite innocently, long before Cupid even had them in his sights,…and really, long before the romance part would even kick in. They were mere youngsters, living around the block from each other, who attended St. Barnabas Elementary School together. Joe was a year older than Debbie, but back in those days it made little difference when they were sharing recess periods and boys were icky. As time marched on and their elementary years morphed into those of high school, Joe's and Debbie's realities were both changing and little sparks were beginning to fly. Yes,…they were now on Cupid's radar, but he was still a ways off. Ah, but here we are,…another joyous reference to 1974, the year that Joe finally asked Debbie out on an official date and the two teenagers made their leap into the realm of romance,…albeit baby steps, as it were. Conversations and cuddling would lead to far deeper feelings, then guess who showed up,…that's right, Cupid. His arrows of love permeated their hearts and the path towards their future together was enlightened. It was three years later, on November 4, 1977, that their love was consummated and the two became one in the eyes of family and friends alike, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Amormino. Together they began a journey of building upon the comforts of home and hearth, welcoming two beautiful children into the world, and growing deeper in love with each passing day. The Newlywed Palace was located in Roseville where they planted their first stakes as husband & wife. In 1981, the first of their two blessings came when God placed Ryan into their hearts and lives and the family unit became a threesome. In 1983, the three became four when Carrie was welcomed into their world, their precious little girl who balanced everything out to become the All-American family. In 1992, Joe and his family picked up stakes and relocated to the bedroom community of Warren, the home which would become their sanctuary,…their resting place,…their serenity amidst the tides of life. It was truly a place of comfort,…and a whole lotta fun, too! Joe's backyard was a thing to behold. With a pool for a refreshing dip, a patio refrigerator filled with refreshing drinks, and a TV out back so no entertainment would be missed, Joe's place had it goin' on and he loved to entertain. And though he had a little bit of Nirvana right out back, Joe still loved to get away from time to time, and often that meant that he and Debbie were boarding another cruise ship to somewhere spectacular. They truly enjoyed sailing the waters, partaking of all that the various ships had to offer, and being pampered beyond belief. Cruising the seas afforded these lovebirds many wonderful and memorable moments together. Another travel destination that had captured Joe's heart and became a frequent escape for many vacations was the island of Puerto Rico. Nestled in the warmth and tranquility of the Caribbean Sea, exchanging the concrete jungle for a taste of the Puerto Rican tropics made for a welcomed haven of rest,…over and over again. Joe was also quite intrigued and supportive of his two favorite "Sports in the D,"…the Red Wings and the Tigers. Whether for his "Boys in the Winged Wheel" or his "Boys of Summer" sporting their Old English "D,"…Joe was covered year-round when it came to feeding his athletic hunger,…and no fair-weather fan was he. Joe was there to wave the banners when championships were at hand,…and there to raise a voice of praise when things were a bit bleak. Plain & simple, he was there because he knew they were as well. "Sports in the D" has had no greater fan than Joe! Yet of all that Joe will be remembered for, perhaps there is no greater mention that that of his love for cars. Known to all as a "Big Car Guy," his knowledge of everything automotive was immense. He could look at just about any car and tell you a story about it. There wasn't much he didn't know. Joe was also an on-going fan of the cruising circuits, especially the Gratiot Cruise, and the Old 27 Tour up the middle of the state. He truly appreciated the beauty and workmanship that went into many of the old model cars and never grew tired of watching them roll up & down the street as they sparked memories of days gone by. Taking his appreciation for cars to an entirely different level, Joe loved the sport of drag racing and was often found filling the role of Crew Chief for his friend at the race tracks in both Ubly and Milan. But the best car story one can tell about Joe was his immense passion for the iconic Chevrolet Corvette. Certainly a head-turner for most guys, Joe was no exception. Always dreaming of owning one himself, the fulfillment of that dream came to pass the year he found out he was going to become a grandfather. So he gave himself a gift as he signed on the bottom line for the purchase of a 2003 Black on Black Corvette. But not just any 2003 model, no…Joe's was one of the 50th Anniversary Editions,…you know,…the one's that could truly take a guy's breath away. When it came to cars, Joe knew full well that nothing says "Americana" like a Corvette, and he was gonna own him one! Customized and meticulous, Joe's Vette was a thing of beauty,…always "show ready,"…and his own personal statement on the Magic of the Motor City. Sporting a license plate that read; "BADNBLK,"…Joe kept his car in showroom fashion, shiny as the day it was initially released. And you had better have been careful when you were near the car as the ONLY acceptable set of fingerprints allowed were that of his precious grandchildren. They could do no wrong in "Pa's" eyes. A loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, Joe's passing can only be softened by the reality that his pain is gone,…and he now rests comfortably, safe in the arms of God. Though he leaves this world far too soon, it is not without imparting unto and infusing those he cared for with a love that was uniquely and genuinely "Joe." Always considering others ahead of himself, he loved unconditionally and unselfishly, and set a wonderful example of the joys and pleasures that can be found when we open our hearts to love,…and be loved. In his short time this side of Heaven, Joe touched countless hearts and souls, and leaves behind a legacy that is sure to quicken a smile with each reflection shared. With each remembrance he will be missed,…and loved. Until we meet again, dear brother… Joseph was the beloved husband of Deborah. Loving father of Ryan (Renee) Amormino and Carrie (Donny) Robertson. Cherished "Pa" of Ethan (11), Sarah (8), Isabella (7), Colin (5) and Maya (6 months). Dearest brother of Genevieve (Frank) Balabuch and Christine (Norm) Fournier. Joe also had many brother-n-laws, sister-n-laws, nieces and nephews. Visitation for Joe will be held Wednesday, September 12th from 2-9 pm, with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. He will lie in state on Thursday from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Louise Catholic Church, 2500 Twelve Mile Road, Warren, Michigan 48092. Memorial donations are welcomed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) Please share memories of Joe at his guestbook above.