Joseph Melia Obituary

Joseph Melia

Knoxville, TN

Joseph William Melia (Joe), age 85, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away August 19, 2016, following a brief illness. He graduated from Seattle Prep High School, then attended Santa Clara University on a football scholarship, and went on to graduate from Seattle University. Joseph was known for his love of family, and his compassion for others, along with his quick wit and sense of humor. He spent his entire career in sales and marketing, most recently known as "Promo Joe". He was head usher for many years at All Saints Catholic Church. He enjoyed being involved in business networking groups, and was an avid sports fan.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Margaret Melia; step-mother, Louise Melia; beloved wife of 62 years, Shirley Melia; sons, Andrew and Jeffrey Melia; brother, Fenton Melia; and sister, Patricia Kline. He is survived by his sister, Helen Graves; and brother, Jim Melia, both of Seattle, WA; daughters, Marianne Thompson (Eddie), Carol Huffaker (Tim) and Lisa Sipf (Greg), all of Knoxville; sons, Mike Melia (Karla), of Reynoldsburg, OH and Shawn Melia, of Nashville; grandchildren, Erin Butler (Cedric), Charlie Butler (Angela), Joe Melia (Kayla), Katie Melia, Matthew Sipf (Lara), Andrew Sipf (Heather), Jennifer Tull (Harrison), Megan Huffaker; and four great-grandchildren.

Celebration of life Mass, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at All Saints Catholic Church, with Father Michael Woods officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ladies of Charity, 120 W. Baxter Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917. Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Sep. 4 to Sep. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Melia

11 Entries

Lynn Moore

September 8, 2016

I was so sorry to see the obituary for Joe. I ran in to him not too long ago at the Dollar Store and caught up with what had been going on the last few years. There I learned Shirley had passed away too. They were both good friends to me during a bad time in my life. Even giving me a place to stay for a few days. For several years, I wore a bathrobe Joe had as a sales sample. Lots of fond memories. Wonderfully fun and supportive people. Joe seemed happily settled with his current life ans was so complimentary of how well his kids took care of him. The best to all the family. Sorry I didn't know to attend the funeral to honor his memory.

Joe Mattera

September 7, 2016

Sympathy and condolences to Promo Joe's family. Joe was a big part of many people's lives and he will be missed dearly.

September 7, 2016

Very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a very dear man, and was so helpful to so many

September 7, 2016

Marianne and family, so sorry for the loss of your father
im sending prayers of strength and hugs of love !!!!

kk

September 7, 2016

IM so sorry for your loss, Marianne and family, sending prayers for strength in your time of need and i hope the angels met him as he entered heaven!

September 7, 2016

Marianne and Family--we were so very sorry to learn about your Father's death. He was such a positive, uplifting man and it was obvious he loved his family so very much. I know he will be sorely missed. We love you and are thinking of you all! The Stansberry family

Bill Ward

September 6, 2016

Deepest sympathy to the family. Joe was one of those larger-than-life personalities, a man who gave generously of himself. He will be sorely missed by those of us who were privileged to know him.

Miss You Uncle Jody!

Barbara Hills

September 6, 2016

All my prayers from Seattle. I so wish I were there.
Love and Peace to all of my cousins.
Barbara (Graves) Hills

Missy Johnson

September 5, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Melia family. Joe was a very special friend to CTI, and had worked with us for years and years. He always had a smile, a kind word, and usually a box of chocolates! He would always speak of the family that he loved and adored. He will be missed.

September 5, 2016

Marianne & Mike, Kent Wilkerson from the FHS days (Marianne, I'm Jack's brother)
Just wanted to say that I'll be thinking of you and your family today and in the coming days, -ever so grateful for the faith and hope that we have in Jesus Christ our Lord!

Karen Kukura

September 4, 2016

Joe was a very dear friend. He was always caring and helpful. He seemed to sense when someone needed cheering up. He had a wonderful sense of humor. His love for the church and his family was an inspiration. I am truly blessed to have him as a friend.

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