Joseph Paul Findley Sr.

1953 - 2023

Joseph Paul Findley, Sr.

November 5, 1953-March 1, 2023

PORT BYRON-Joseph Paul Findley, Sr., 68, of Port Byron, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at home. Services will be held Monday, March 6, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Port Byron. Memorials may be made to URICRA or the Rapids City Fire Protection District.

Joe was born on November 5, 1953 in Rock Island, IL, to Paul and Darlene (Carey) Findley. He graduated from Rock Island High School. After high school, Joe served in United States Air Force. On October 6, 1975, Joe married the love of his life Charlotte Carlson in Rock Island, IL. He worked as a painter for the Rock Island Arsenal for several years before retiring in 2008.

Joe was a longtime Riverdale youth sports advocate and volunteer in the community, working with students in numerous programs over the years. He was a co-founder of the Jr. Rams Football program, a longtime board member and coach for the U.R.I.C.R.A., and helped in any way he could with the Jr. Rams Wrestling program. He loved coaching baseball and football, and you could always find "Big Joe" at a game cheering on the Riverdale players.

Joe was involved in the Union AFGE local 2119, and was president of the Men's League at the East End Club in Moline, IL. He is a past Port Byron Fire Department volunteer. In his free time, Joe enjoyed singing karaoke and being a D.J. He also enjoyed camping, golfing, playing in a pool league, and following the IMCA and dirt track racing. Joe was always there to help his friends in anyway needed, and he never forgot to call you on your birthday. Above all, Joe loved and valued his family and his grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife Charlotte; his son, Joseph Findley, Jr. of Port Byron, IL; daughters, Mary Jo (Mark) Blair of Brantwood, WI, Misty (Dean) Kremsreiter of Merrill, WI; grandchildren, Erin Kremsreiter, Lillian Goodenow, Kael Findley, Collin Blair, Brad Blair, Phillip (Alissa) Blair, Brittany (Luke) Newton; and great grandchildren, Ethan, Kimberly, Evelyn, Kyle, Graham, Charlie, Addi and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Salena; and his brothers, David, Carey, and Doyle Findley. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.