Joseph M. Misilewich

Joseph M. Misilewich, 54, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at his home with his family by his side.

Born on November 21, 1967, in Orlando, FL, Joseph was the son of Michael and Carole (Ruthman) Misilewich. When Joseph was 15 years old, he moved to Huntington, NY to live with extended family. He was a 1986 graduate of Walt Whitman High School, Huntington Station, NY. In his early working years, he also worked as an auto mechanic and restorer with his father, Mike. Auto body repairs was one of his favorite hobbies, which was evident with the ‘69 Ford pickup he tinkered with for many years.

Joe learned to love being on the road with his uncle, Norman Romahn. He would go over the road in his tractor trailer with him since he was very young and learned all he knew about trucking. Joe went to Orlando for a short time before returning back to Long Island where he started the career in trucking that he so loved. He was an Owner/Operator for various companies until he started his own business, Misilewich Trucking, which he owned and operated for the last 16 years of his life. All of his trucking buddies knew Joe as "Gator". His long-haul trucking took him all over the USA.

Joe knew his wife, Jennifer, all his life. They professed their love and were married in 1992, in Huntington, NY. Jennifer survives. Together they would depart for Orlando, where they lived for 13 years before relocating to New Jersey to be near family. When their grandfather, Victor Misilewich became ill, they moved to Norwich. They would make their home in Norwich for the next 14 years and raise their three children.

Joe loved to ride his Harley, a love he shared with his Dad. He began by owning a Honda 400cc bike, but would eventually work toward owning his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He and his wife would regularly travel on his motorcycle to many places on the east coast, including regular trips to Daytona, FL. Joseph also idolized the comedian, George Carlin, where he found a lot of his humor. His laughter was contagious. Yes, he was stubborn, crude and inappropriate at times, but he was the glue that held his family together. Joey was a "good Ole boy" who loved family and his country.

In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by his children, William Joseph (Mercedes Hollenbeck), Nicholas Victor, and Alyssa Lee; sister, Patricia (Antonio) Dodd; nephew, Alex Richardson (Tara Wheeler); great-niece, Kai-Li Richardson; and great-nephews, Gabe Richardson and Keith Monroe. Papa Joe was loved by many of his young cousins. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Carole, and also his niece, Sydney.

A memorial Mass for Joseph will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at St. Paul’s Church, where Rev. Ralph A. Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date and at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.

Contributions in Joseph’s memory may be made to https://www.truckersfinalmile.org/ or to Safe Haven Animal Rescue & Kennel (SHARK) , PO Box 126, Abbeville, AL 36310.