Joseph James "J.J." LORELLO

LORELLO, Joseph James "J.J."

an employee of Publix on W. Gandy Blvd. in South Tampa, departed this life unexpectedly at Tampa General Hospital Monday, August 21, 2017 at the age of 33.

J.J. is survived by his parents; Shelly and Joseph W. Lorello Jr., his grandmother, Rosemary Lorello; brothers, Joseph R. "J.R." Lorello and Paul E. Powers, Jr.; and sister, Christi D. Azpeitia of Tampa; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends and coworkers. He also sadly leaves behind his love of many years, Rae Anne.

J.J. was born in Tampa on January 23, 1984. He graduated from Caminiti Exceptional Center in 2006. He then attended the MacDonald Training Center, a supportive and empowering vocational program for individuals with developmental disabilities before beginning his career with Publix in 2014.

An exceptional young man, J.J. enjoyed meeting people and was very proud of his job. Once learned, he never forgot a face, a name or a vital statistic, especially one related to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his true passion. J.J. could often be heard discussing the team schedule, scores and details of a Bucs game, its team members and predicting their Super Bowl potential. He was also an avid collector of Bucs memorabilia and a scratch off ticket enthusiast. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jose Foradada for his continued care to J.J. throughout his life time; his close personal friend, Alicia; his personal caregiver, Phyllis, for helping him navigate his daily life; and Publix Supermarkets for affording him the opportunity to work at a job he loved.

A Bucs themed Celebration of Life reception is planned for Sunday, September 24th from 1-5 pm at the Elks Lodge on W. Gandy Blvd., South Tampa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any tributary donations be made in memory of J.J. to Autism Speaks.