Joseph A. "Joe" Santopadre Jr.

1941 - 2020

Joseph ("Joe") A. Santopadre, Jr., age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Harahan, Louisiana on Thursday, April 23, 2020. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 20, 1941. Joe graduated from St. Paul's Catholic High School in Covington, Louisiana, where he excelled as a track athlete and held high school records as a runner that endured for many years. He briefly attended Louisiana State University, but left to work in the family business, Tip Top Shoe Repair, founded by his father, Joseph A. Santopadre, Sr. He later opened 4 shoe repair shops of his own in the New Orleans area. Joe had a special talent for developing and operating franchised restaurants. He was among the early franchisees of the Popeye's Chicken chain and owned five locations in Mississippi during the 1980s. Joe developed and owned Tastee Donuts, later Tastee Restaurant, which at its height operated both company-owned and franchised restaurants. Joe was among the early leaders in the development of the restaurant-based video poker industry in the New Orleans area. When Joe entered heaven on April 23, he was reunited with his loving parents, Joseph and Jeanette, and his beloved son, Joey. He was also preceded in death by his brother Christopher. Joe is survived by his wife, best friend, confidant and love of his life, Lynda Erminger Santopadre, with whom he shared their 52nd wedding anniversary only a few days before his passing. Joe is also survived by his beloved daughter Jamie (Michael Lindner), who, with Joe's loving guidance and support, succeeded her father as Tastee Restaurant's operator. Joe is also survived by his brother Robert (Suzanne). While Joe also left behind many nieces and nephews, some are deserving of individual recognition. Joe's nephew, James Erminger, Jr., lived with Joe and Lynda for a large part of his life, and always maintained a loving and close relationship. His nephew T-Paul always made him laugh. Julia and Josh were bright spots in Joe's life. Joe was a strong man with a big heart who never met a stranger. He had many friends, and special among them is David Simoneaux, who remained Joe's loyal friend to the end. Joe will be missed, but he will live on in the hearts and memories of the many who loved and cared for him. Rest in peace. Joe was laid to rest at Garden of Memories on Thursday, April 30, 2020, after a private graveside service. Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.