Joseph Francis "Joe" GRIMALDI

GRIMALDI, Joseph Francis "Joe"

was the eighth of eleven children. A "military brat," he was born at Torrejn AFB Madrid, Spain, and joined his father John, his mother Evelyn and his sister Angela Kristie, in eternal rest at mid afternoon Tuesday December 6, 2016. His unexpected departure occurred much too early for his family, and for the many lives that he touched. Joe was raised in Spain, and graduated from Melbourne, FL High School in 1976, where his family had relocated after 26 years in Europe. He attended USF, majoring in the Natural Sciences. He will be sorely missed by his extended family at Busch Gardens, where his aptitude for electronics led to a 36 year career where, at the time of his passing, he was a manager in the Engineering department. He is survived by his kindred spirit and devoted wife of over 30 years Susan (Bunch); his two sons, Jonathan and Christopher; his siblings Jerry (Mary), Michele (Max), Maria, Camille (Walter), Lissa (Scott), Lucia (Polo), Tony, Nick (Anita), and Paul (Cindy). He also had many nieces and nephews. Joe was multi-talented, be it woodworking, laying tile, or auto mechanic. It seems he could do it all. He and his family enjoyed camping, and over the years traveled all over the US, especially the eastern mountain states. True to his namesakes St. Joseph and St. Francis, he was the epitome of a gentle soul. No one can ever remember any harsh words uttered from his lips. He made his calm demeanor and soft voice available to all as an anchor in any storm. He persevered through all adversity, to the end, with a smile, a new joke, and always a happy thought to share. Unfortunately, he did inherit the Grimaldi gene for really corny humor. True to his wishes, there will be no formal services, however, if inclined, please devote any tribute to the causes that were dear to him, such as the arts (Susan is a talented and accomplished artist), military charities (Jonathan, USMC, is an Iraq vet) or the environment (Christopher graduated from USF in Environmental Sciences, three days after Joe passed). And true to his spirit, please join his family and celebrate his life and contributions, rather than dwell on the vacancy he has left in all our lives.