Joseph Fieno

1937 - 2025

Joseph Fieno

March 19, 1937 - May 15, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - Joseph Fieno, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Fortunato and Adelina Fieno on March 19, 1937, one of 10 children. He graduated from Wilmington College with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and from Xavier University with a Master's Degree in Education. He taught for a few years before making a career change to sales. Sales suited his personality to a tee. He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone and make friends. He lived in several states but has called Charlotte, NC, home since 1987. He met his future wife while still in high school when they were on the same Junior Achievement team.

He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife of more than 63 years, Patricia, and siblings Bertina, Daniel, Galiano, Loreta, Gabriel, Bernadino, and Michael Angelo. He is survived by his children: Susan Leaver (Ed), Anne Cathey (Jack), and Robert Fieno (Gerri); seven grandchildren: Andrew Leaver, Michael Leaver, Samantha Thomas (Josh), Joshua Cathey (Maggie), Jessica Frank (Alex), Elizabeth Fieno (Joel), and Joseph Fieno; a sister, Rosina Fieno, a brother, David Fieno; special sister/brother-in-law Kathy and Dick Flaig; and numerous nieces and nephews (each of whom was his favorite).

He was an exceptional husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He cared deeply for his family, friends, and neighbors and loved us well. His legacy of generosity, humor, resilience, faith, and love will impact generations to come. It is impossible to list all of the ways he is loved and remembered but here are just a few: high school football and track star; decades of dedicated service at church in a variety of ministries; teacher; mentor; coach; friend, inventor, patent holder, license plate collector; annual trips to Maine, Vermont and especially Wrightsville Beach, NC; planting trees and then cutting down same trees 30 years later; attending any game his brothers, children, or grandchildren played or coached; critiquing car repairs on YouTube; and explaining the difference between a smooth and a highway concrete finish.

Each of us holds special memories of Joe, and it has been wonderful to hear stories over the last few days. "Joe was a rare symbol of wisdom, kindness, and fun." "He was a model husband, father, and businessman; he was my mentor." "He was the nicest Italian guy we had ever met!" "They don't make them like him anymore." "It's hard to wrap my head around the fact he is gone, such a vibrant, kind, and positive man." "I will always think of him anytime I see a license plate from another state, see someone cutting down trees, pouring concrete, or mowing lawns."

Joe made sure everyone who visited the last few days knew that he wasn't scared of dying; he knew where he was going and couldn't wait to see the love of his life again. We love you and will miss you, but we also know we will see you again!

Aren't we the lucky ones to have loved and been so loved.

All are welcome to a memorial celebration of his life. It will be August 16th at 10:00 am, graveside at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, Matthews, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

National Kidney Foundation give.kidneyfund.org

Matthews Christian Library 116 N Ames St, Matthews, NC 28105

Via Health Partners (Hospice of Charlotte, NC) viagiving.org

Graveside Service

Saturday, August 16, 2025 10:00 AM

Forest Lawn East Cemetery

3709 Forest Lawn Drive

Matthews NC 28104

Funeral Home

Weddington/Matthews Chapel

3700 Forest Lawn Dr.

Matthews NC - 28104

704-846-3771