Joe Gurrado

April 1, 1922 - Feb. 25, 2009
KNOX - Much-loved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Joe Gurrado, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 25th in his home, surrounded by family. Born in Knox, Indiana, on April 1, 1922, to Mary and Jerry Gurrado, he was a lifelong resident in the community that he loved. After serving in WWII with his three brothers, Joe returned to Knox to marry Dolores Howe of Chicago. Over the course of his life, Joe was a part owner of the Three G's grocery store and Welkie's Dry Cleaners. He ran the CETA Program for Starke County and worked at Knox Furniture Store until his retirement. In addition to his family and the many basketball teams of his children and grandchildren that he supported, the other loves in Joe's life were the Knox United Methodist Church, the Democratic Party, the VFW, the Masons, the Scottish Rite, and his "coffee klatch". He was also a member of the American Legion. Joe gave much of himself to these organizations and the good people involved in them. He was a 55 year member of the South Bend Valley Scottish Rite, was the Scottish Rite Ambassador for four local counties, and won the Meritorious Service Award in 1997. Joe was a Charter Member of VFW Post 748 and the Post Commander in 1952-53. Two areas that were very close to his heart were programs in the schools and all aspects of military funerals. Surviving Joe are his beautiful wife of 61 years, Dolores Howe Gurrado; one son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and DeeDee Gurrado of Columbia City; one daughter, Lisa Gurrado Franz of Bloomington; five grandchildren, Torin, Lucas and Keenan Franz, Taylor and Logan Bockelman; and honorary daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Mark Dedloff. Joe is also survived by seven sisters; Sylvia Welkie, Madeline Pitts, Doris Ghimenti, Lorraine Gurrado, Edith Gurrado, Geraldine Baske, and Mary Jane McDonough; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and five brothers-in-law. Friends are invited to share a story and celebrate Joe's life at Braman & Son Funeral Home in Knox from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. today, with Masonic Services at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Knox United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Sunday March 1.