Emidio Joseph Lupini

LUPINI, Emidio Joseph, "Joe,", aka "Meade," "Lou," "Pini Boy," peacefully passed away at his vacation home in Naples, Florida on November 8, 2022, at the age of 87. He was born in Jessup, Pennsylvania and moved to Hampton, Virginia, when he was seven years old, so he became and still is an Italian Virginia boy since that time. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Dominic and Elvira Lupini; and his beloved younger sister, Anita Opaleski.

Joe graduated from Hampton High School, where he played baseball. After high school, he and two of his buddies decided to join the Marines with a plan to go through basic training and then see the world together. It didn't quite work out that way as the three friends were split up shortly after being sent off to boot camp (his parents were upset about him joining, as the Korean War was still going on). After his service with the Marines was completed, he decided to attend the Al Summers Umpire School in Daytona Beach, Florida and then became a minor league umpire, as he had a lifelong affection for baseball. After several years of umpiring, he decided to give up his dream of becoming a major league umpire. It was the people and ballplayers that he enjoyed most, but the travel and money were not so good. Because of his personality and love of people, he took a job as a commercial salesman with an ad agency traveling five days per week away from home. It was during this time that a co-worker introduced him to Peggy, who became his loving wife and soulmate. After a year of marriage, Joe and Peggy were expecting their first child and decided he needed to find another job in the Richmond area that did not require as much time on the road. That is when he began his career in the pest management industry. He worked for several pest management companies and became involved in virtually every level and every aspect of the industry before owning his own pest management company – Loyal Termite & Pest Control Co., Inc.

Joe was known as the Godfather of the Pest Management Industry in Richmond. He was a mentor to many in the industry. Joe was awarded the 2006 Crown Leadership Award (one of the highest awards in the Pest Management Industry - it spotlights individuals who have contributed positively to the growth and development of the structural pest management industry, as well as established strong ties with fellow business leaders and customers in their communities).

He was appointed and served on the Commonwealth of Virginia Pesticide Advisory Board. He was a past member of the Board of Directors of the National Pest Management Association, past President and member of Board of Directors of the Virginia Pest Management Association. He served on the Endowment Committee for the Virginia Tech Urban Research Center

Joe was also very active in the Community. He was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #395, Past District Deputy of the Virginia State Knights of Columbus Council, Past President of West End Catholic Men's Association, and member of West Richmond Businessmen's Association.

While a friend to everyone he met, his family was the most important thing in his life. His family worked and played together and will forever remember him in their hearts as the man who gave his all to keep us all together. He is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy; cherished son and daughter-in-law, Nick Lupini and wife, Gena; devoted daughter and son-in-law, Kim Williams and husband, Chris Williams; grandchildren, Matthew Williams, Carey Yates and husband, David Yates; great-grandchildren, Isaac Francis Yates and Virginia Yates; sister's husband, Ronald Opaleski; many nieces and nephews and cousins. He loved them all and he will be missed by all who knew him. We will remember him as the most loving, fun, caring and giving father, brother, uncle, cousin, boss and friend to almost everyone who knew him. He will survive in our hearts forever.

Joe's family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, November 21 at Bliley's - Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., where a Prayer Service and special tributes will be shared at 5:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 22 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in the Church Columbarium. For those unable to attend either service in person, please visit Joe's obituary page at blileys.com for a livestream link to watch online. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9605 Gayton Road, Richmond, Va. 23229 or St. Francis - Manchester, Development Office, 65 West Clopton Street, Richmond, Va. 23225 (804-237-5602).