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Joseph De Rico Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph De Rico
Thomas and Jean Gibson
January 8, 2026
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.
Cynthia Kerford
February 11, 2010
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.
Mark & Melinda Cruce
February 1, 2010
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, wisdom and, of course, his way with words. We will miss you, our brother, but we are glad you are resting in the Savior’s arms.
Cyndi Newburn
January 21, 2010
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 Division Governors to honor them. He reminded us to honor the vet with the empty table ceremony--he loved his country. He also was the gentle man who gave his Lieutenant flowers and a teddy bear, we named Celebration Bear! I still laugh when I think of the elephant story, the translation for a bar of soap or the hippy "Joe DeFreako".
Joe will be missed--greatly missed--but we know he was welcomed into God's loving arms.I am so sorry for your loss and please know that Joe was loved by many.We hope our prayers support you in the coming days to give you strength. We honor Joe!
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Bobbie O'Connell
January 21, 2010
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.
Rose Beeson
January 20, 2010
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 it here.
Be not afraid,
I go before you always,
Come follow Me,
and I shall give you rest.
Barb Smith
January 19, 2010
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.
Michael Di Cerbo
January 18, 2010
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
Steve Broe
January 18, 2010
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.
January 18, 2010
To all of Joseph's family my deepest condolences and prayers for your comfort during this time of grieving. May God comfort you, help you support one another, and know that Joseph loves you always.
Gil Kerns
Laurie Carr
January 17, 2010
Family and friends-
Please accept my condolences in the time of your loss. I pray that you find peace and healing.
I had the honor to know Joe through Toastmasters. I miss his warm, gentle sense of humor. Joe led by example and let his light shine for all to see.
Michael Desiderio
January 16, 2010
Thinking of Joe and his grin puts a smile on my face even now...I'm sure he is still watching. The first time I competed at the District level Joe was running the show and he made a first time District attendee feel like I was special. After that year Joe continued to warm our hearts whenever we had the good fortune to cross paths with him at Toastmaster events.
We know for sure he is in a better place and is probably putting smiles on many angel's faces.
Respectfully, Michael & Stephanie Desiderio
Dee Dees
January 16, 2010
Joe's smile and mischievous sense of humor will always remain with me (as will his jar opener, which brought laughs every time he hauled one out of his briefcase.) Joe was a special, sweet guy, and I'll miss seeing him at future Toastmaster events.
Jeff Morud
January 16, 2010
Joe was a man with a frugal nature and a big heart. After his election as Toastmaster District Governor, he and his team flew to training on the same flight. Joe was quick to break out lots of snacks, purchased at the dollar store, and share them with everyone.
He was a great encourager and gave positive recognition to his team members.
He will be greatly missed by all.
Bob and Jana Barnhill
January 16, 2010
Joe was a dedicated Toastmaster. He cared about others and demonstrated this through his involvement in Toastmasters. Jana and I were privileged to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
January 16, 2010
Joe's term as District Governor (2003-2004) was a truly fun-filled year for those of us involved in District Leadership. His sense of humor and engaging style set the tone for the year. Joe will be missed by all.
Terry Lee, DTM, Gilbert, AZ
Joan Bunney
January 16, 2010
Joe was one who could be counted on to go above and beyond and do so with excellence. His servant's heart was always ready to bless someone without thought of what he'd get in return. He left a trustworthy example of a faithful, obedient follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. I will miss his careful helpfulness.
PJ
January 16, 2010
Memories of Joe are many however, the one that stands out most is his beautiful commanding voice. I enjoyed listening to his speeches through the Toastmasters organization. Joe was an inspiration to many. My best to the family, know that your son and brother was always helpful, kind and that he will be missed. PJ
Roy Schott
January 16, 2010
As one of Joe's Toastmaster friends, I shall miss him. There are few who give so much of themselves, and Joe gave of himself greatly.
All loved his sonorous voice from the podium, and the natural humor which he projected.
My life is far richer for having known him.
Vickie Grantham
January 16, 2010
Dear Joan Dericko, Donna Salmons, Deborah Hoffine and families:
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of Joe De Rico. I had the privilege of working with Joe at Bethany Bible Church and will miss his sensitivity and sense of humor; he always made me laugh! He loved the Lord and desired to serve Him with all his heart. Joe will be greatly missed at Bethany.
Art Guina
January 15, 2010
My wife Arlene and I would like to express our deep condolences to Joe's mom and sisters.
I worked under Joe in helping lead the Celebrate Recovery Ministry of Bethany Bible Church in Phoenix. I had appreciated his heart to see healing for those struggling with addiction issues. His attention to details also showed me his diligence and desire for excellence in his service. He had also been an affirming friend to me who was always quick to point out what he felt are my strengths or even just anything he may have observed I did well.
I will miss him sorely and am only comforted by the Biblical fact that He is now enjoying a perfect life of bliss in the bosom of Jesus in heaven...free from any sickness or pain or struggle.
Blessings to you all,
Art
Brad Pellish
January 15, 2010
Joe was a valued friend and partner in ministry at Bethany Bible Church, and he will be greatly missed. I thank God that Joe received Jesus as His Leader and Forgiver during his college years, as we talked about that often and it was a great comfort to him.
Don Griffith
January 15, 2010
I knew Joe through Toastmasters. He was District Governor the year after me and I enjoyed working with him as he led the 3,000 plus members in Arizona. Joe was witty, friendly, and always good for a joke (sometimes subtle, but almost always delivered with a twinkle in his eye!)
All of us in Toastmasters will miss Joe, but don't despair! Joe was a man of faith and, as promised, has gone to a far, far, better place.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
(Psalm 23:4)
January 15, 2010
To Joe's family and friend,
Although we only knew Joe for the past eight years, it was always a pleasure to be around him. We alway appreciated his counsel and wit.
Joe had one of the most beautiful voices we have ever heard.
He will be sorely missed by all of his Toastmaster friends. Maybe St. Peter will use his fabulous voice to make announcements at the Pearly Gates.
Al & Kristin Gramando
January 15, 2010
Joe is sorely missed by all Toastmasters who knew him. A great leader with a wonderful sense of humor and a warm smile. Ted Pawlikowski, Tempe, AZ
Jim Davis
January 15, 2010
Joe will be terribly missed by all who knew him. He was a tireless contributor to the Toastmaster community and a creative source of energy and ideas. I will deeply miss his smile and wit.
Nancy Starr-Cassidy
January 15, 2010
To Joe's friends and family - we will miss his humor, his wit, his vocabulary, his jocularity and his beautiful smile. He touched the lives of many in the Toastmasters world, who will miss him terribly.
One of my treasures hanging in my office is the award he presented me when he served as District 3 Governor - the "General Factotum" award. His theme was Excellence in Action.
Joe - may you rest well, my friend.
Jack Nietzel
January 15, 2010
To Joe's family,
Joe was a gret blessing to all of us at
Bethany. His sense of humore was balanced by his love for Jesus. He taught my Samaritan class on occassion and did a great job. I am confident that Joe has recevied his "well done thou good and faithful servant" already! Joe's legacy will continue
at Bethany.
Phil and Phyllis Auernheimer
January 15, 2010
Dear Family,
Be comforted in the fact that Joe is peacefully enjoying his heavenly home with the Jesus he adored. He had devoted himself to learning and then sharing the word of God, most of his life.
His message of hope, forgiveness and the free gift of salvation, to those struggling with addictions, made him a special champion in our eyes.
January 15, 2010
Our sympathy to all Joe's family.
Joe was loved so much even by those of us who never really had the joy of knowing him personally.
He brought his own delightful flavor to the Communion Celebration, announcements etc at Bethany Bible Church. Rembrances of Joe always bring a smile. We loved you Joe.
Enjoy Jesus, your precious Savior and Lord!
Vernie & Amy Abbitt
Aunt Phyllis
January 14, 2010
JOE,
I have loved you since the day you were born. I always think of the summers you came up to spend with us. I can't believe I wont see you again.
Say hello to Uncle Bill for me. You two
can tell stories and laugh together like you did on earth. I know you are
with God now.
Aunt Phyllis
Lynda Sims
January 14, 2010
I will remember Joe's large vocabulary (one being "cornucopia"). He added his own special spice to Sunday morning services. It was fun working with him in choir productions. Joe made a humorous chef in our most recent Christmas dinners. I am privileged to have been acquainted with him.
Kathy Runte
January 14, 2010
My family and I send our sympathy to Joe's family but rejoice in the fact that Joe is now with Jesus! He was such a blessing to all of us.
Stanton Whitney
January 14, 2010
We were all priveleged to have known Joe. I had the blessing of working with him in several of his ministry projects, on his studies for the pastorate, and in the counseling ministry. I will greatly miss his friendship, his keen wit, and his tremendous sense of humor. God bless you, Donna, Debbie, and Mrs. DeRico.
Pastor Stan Whitney, Bethany Bible Church
Keri Little
January 14, 2010
Joe will be missed here at Bethany Bible Church where he was a compassionate and caring friend to many. His sense of humor and love of the English language often brought smiles to those of us blessed to know Joe. We rejoice that he is with the Lord and look forward to meeting up with him again in eternity.
Stanley Quayle
January 14, 2010
Joe was an inspiration to many newly-recruited Civil Air Patrol members, including me. He will truly be missed.
Sharla Hensiek
January 14, 2010
I had the privilege of working with Joe the last 5 years. His amazing wit and his dedication to the people of Bethany Bible Church will be greatly missed. His faith, despite challenging circumstances the last several months, never wavered. We rejoice that he is now in the presence of the Lord he loved and served, but we feel great loss at his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless you and comfort you during this time.
ELMER HARBRON
January 14, 2010
MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU, HIS FAMILY.
I'M SURE OUR LORD WILL BE PLEASED TO HAVE JOE WITH HIM FOR ALL ETERNITY.
GOD BLESS ALL
Paul Rehman Jr.
January 14, 2010
I have had the privelge of both knowing and working with Joe for many years through our mutual association in the Civil Air Patrol. He was a fine officer and roll model for all those who knew him. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family. Please accept the condolences of both my wife and I.
Roger Middleton
January 14, 2010
Dear Friends,
It was my privilege to call Joe "friend" for over 30 years. Though often living at opposite ends of the country, we kept in regular touch.
He was an active member of whichever community he lived, and will be missed by many.
My deepest condolences to you and his family.
January 14, 2010
Dear Mrs. DeRico and Family,
Our sincere sympathy in the passing of your son, Joseph. We gratefully acknowledge his service to our country so that we can embrace the freedom we have today.
Sincerely,
Buckeye Military Moms, Chapter 9
Blue Star Mothers
Columbus, OH
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