Say its not true

[RacinRob]

My condolences go to Joes family and to Louie. Rest In Peace

Robert Bader 19 Blunderbust

[Tracy87BB]

I do not have access to the front page of the Jam until I get home from work, so I will temporarily post the arrangements here.

Viewing Friday, August 15th
2 p.m.-5 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Mangano's Funeral Home, Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park
(south of both Northern State and the LIE, on the east side of the road)

Services Saturday, August 16th
11 a.m.
Our Lady of Lourdes, West Islip

[Scotty Wolf]

What a shame, what a loss, god bless.

[Charlie's Angel]

I heard about this yesterday and was waiting for it to be posted before I said something. We are truly sadden by this news. We counted Joe among our friends. He will be sorely missed. The smile and hug I was greeted with each time I saw him, I don't have words to express the sadness that I feel at this time. Again.. heaven gets a real good man. Our loss is their gain!

[Tracy87BB]

The following was sent from Bob Finan.

The news of Joe's passing still has not totally sunk-in yet, but it hit so hard, like somebody hitting you in the gut and you couldn't catch your breath. Joe was among the "old guard" who loved this game to it fullest, but also respected it just as much.

I especially feel for Lou Maestri, they are more like brothers. They worked together for the Town of Babylon, socialized together and of course spent countless hours racing together. As I said earlier Joe was "old school", aside from Lou Maestri I remember his days with Chris Young among others. Joe might have been Lou's crew chief but he also helped anyone who asked or helped them without them asking. Just ask Timmy Solomito who asked us to thank Joe on the P.A. a few races ago, there of course were many, many others who Joe touched.

On behalf of Jeff Bressler, Bill Finan, Steve Halpin and myself, rest in peace Joe, we will miss your soft spoken style and ever present smile, but never forget you.

Bob Finan

[Curious Candles]

I got the call yesterday morning and am still in shock. I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Joe and his family over 40 years. As anyone who knows the man as he was. A very passionate and devoted person. If Joe pursued anything he was always over the top. If he couldn't figure something out(which was rare!), he would not rest until he got it done. Joe originally started out as a drag racer. He owned an Opel rallye cadet with a 427 big block chevy motor in it. He would light this thing up on his street(with Mom yelling on the front lawn) so much you thought the "bug sprayer" had just past. He started working on cars with a fellow named Ed Fisher at his shop across from now what is Gershow's. Ed now works for G.M. here on Long Island and to this day is still used by Detroit to solve problems for them. Ed is a mechanical genius and Joe sucked up all of Ed's knowledge like a sponge. Joe went to work for the Town and at that point we got into the "roundy rounds". I purchased Charley Puleo's falcon when he retired and Joe was the only choice for a crew chief. We only ran for one season with no success. One of Joe's fondest memories was when I told him to take the car out to see what it was about in a warm up. The green dropped and here comes Chris Young in his magic 49 behind him and starts to pound him thinking its Charlie who at the time was the previous years track champion. When Chris got next to him and realized it was Joe he immediately came over after the warm up to apologize to Joe. They both laughed it off and a new friendship began. Joe's legacy at Islip and Riverhead grew rapidly. To know him you couldn't help but love and admire him. As everybody has said he was the go to guy. He helped everybody with a respect and passion that is rarely found these days. His personal family was small and thats why people have to realize that the race track and the people that fill it was Joe's family. Of course if Lou wasn't racing on Sunday you could go to Joe's house for a homemade Italian meal and a seat on the couch to watch the cup races. As Bob Finan had mentioned Joe was old school. He never used a computer and I would tease him about using his hand as a pyrometer to check the tires when Lou would come off the track. He was a natural. He always knew what was wrong and how to fix it. He could make a dump truck handle on any track he was at. He was that kind of person. I could go on for days about Joe but I think I've got my point across. This is definately a case of the good dying young. I think in honor of Joe we all should try our best to be just like him... Giving...Loving... and always Happy. I'm sure right now he's probably telling Charlie J and Richie E how to set up their cars for the next main! Just remember Lou, Joe will never leave us, he's just in a different dimension. You know you were his first priority and always will be brother. Get that threepete for Joe. We are all behind you no matter what. Love Chrissy and Doug from C C Candle.

[maestri fan 1]

AMEN Doug and Chrissy!!!!!

[furdogg]

Our condolences go out to joe's family and to louie.



Chris and Melissa McGuire

[smokey 98]

Joe, you accepted this awkward hick kid from Riverhead, gave your friendship. You let me hang on Peters Lane in N. Babylon with the older guys, it was like the city to this hick. We sat in the stands at Islip after its final race, lights off, already missing the track. We won races with Chris Young, You should have been his crew chief. Instead, Louie got ya, and in the LM’s and then the trucks you became the crew chief to beat. I was lucky to be up at Riverhead to stand next to you when you won your first title with Louie. TY Joe, for so many good times. I fear it will be a long time before my eyes dry. My best wishes to Joe’s family, Louie and his crew. Godspeed Joe, I love ya man.

Sam Young

[Tower Man]

I cannot remember a time when Joe wasn't in the pit area. Growing up in Babylon I worked with Lou's Dad. So when Lou started racing I took a liking to him. From the beginning, Joe always said hello to me. Whether I was just another driver, an official or a car owner. Didn't matter to Joe, I was just another person doing what we all love to do, just like Joe.

Life isn't a dress rehearsal. And when you're time is up, there's no looking back. Enjoy each day, each memory and never miss an opportunity to help someone.

Our prayers are out to Joe and his family and anyone Joe has touched.

JTL Enterprises Motorsports LLC
29 - BB
37 Fig 8
20 4/6 Truck Enduro

[bearsjd5]

We here at Teddy Bear Racing would like to extend our deepest sympathy to
Lou and Joe's families and friends. He will be missed by all.

[Jimmy Strup]

Words can't express the loss. Knowing Joe for more then 30 years the memories are many. Whether it was at Islip when he helped Chris or later at Riverhead Joe was always there to help. Lou and Joe were great friends on and off the racetrack. More like brothers then friends. We love ya Joe and always will.

The Strup Family

[Tracy87BB]

Quite a few people have asked me about putting some sort of tribute together for Joe. Many people have a funny story or two that they would like to share. What I would like to do is ask for anyone who wants to contribute something to email it to me at tchirico@longislandjam.com. I will collect people's tributes/stories/memories for one week, put them together and get the collaboration of them posted late next week or the beginning of the following week.

[unowho243]

My thoughts and Prayers are with Joe's family as well as Louie and the whole #1 crew he will be missed

[Hank Kramer]

A better crew chief can't be found. Whether with Chris or Lou or anybody else Joe helped everyone. God bless Joe see you in heaven!