Joseph John Proto's Obituary
For the celebration of life attire,
please no black or mourning clothing
“Your father is a very sick man.”
Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ lost a loyal customer in Joe Proto, the self-proclaimed “ORIGINAL SMOKIN’ JOE,” when he made his last undignified and largely irreverent gesture on November 12, 2023, signing off on a life that, in his words, was “generally standard and with few regrets.” When the doctors confronted his family with the news this past year that ‘Your father is a very sick man,’ in unison, they replied, “You have no idea!'” And, true to form, when making final memories with his family and friends, Joe’s “standard” pose came complete with a flipped bird. Let’s keep it clean and G-rated, not the bird you’re thinking. Joe’s other favorite bird was a turkey, of course, Thanksgiving being his favorite holiday. His memories and stories, often very loud and sometimes (ok, almost always) inappropriate, were an integral part of every gathering, and it’s safe to say his family will now get the chance to share stories about him without having to “speak Italian” over all the other conversations.
Joseph John Proto (Joe) came into this life putting smiles on faces on October 29, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, when C. Charles Proto and Helen Catanzaro welcomed him as their oldest. Over time, he became known as “Joey, Mom’s favorite.” He is survived by his son Charles Proto (Cindy), his daughter Dina A. Proto (Dina/Dom), and his daughter Dana M. Roberts (Mark). Stepdaughter Nina Jarlock and stepson Evan Zlock also survive him. He’s survived by nine grandchildren: Nichole Scheidt (Ryan), Joseph Tripoli IV, Elena Edmonson, Zoe Roberts, Skye Grady, Anthony Edmonson, and Elijah Roberts, Skout Jarlock, Coda Jarlock and four great-grandchildren, Makena Grace Scheidt, Noah Edward Scheidt, Layla Rose Tripoli, and Joseph Grayson Tripoli. He is survived by his loving and devoted sisters Marie Elena Bauer (Lawrence), and JoAnn DiIorio. He is survived by three nephews, one niece (David, Jacqueline, Michael, and Christopher), and their families.
Joe scraped through to graduation from Neshaminy High School in Levittown, PA, in 1959 and went on to own a successful insurance agency before selling it and relocating to Las Vegas, where he lived for nearly twenty years before migrating to Florida.
Joe served in the United States Coast Guard as a LORAN technician and was stationed in Istanbul, where some of his favorite shenanigans took place, including purchasing and owning his very own ass. He was an avid foodie and home chef, spending time with his children and grandchildren and passing down family recipes. Joe’s favorite saying was “Sempre Familia,” he tried to live that through his actions. He was primarily known for his antipasto, which always looked like a piece of art. Joe remained physically fit, working until the month before his diagnosis. In his spare time, he enjoyed teaching English as a second language through his church, volunteering as a hiking guide, and fishing. Joe had a positive outlook on life, choosing instead to keep a smile on his face and pep in his step. And in this, he persisted.
From an early age, Joe was known as a jokester, the life of any party or gathering, and loved to be the center of attention. No doubt he’s expecting quite the shindig to celebrate his life. And, of course, his family will oblige. Visitation will be held Monday, November 20, 2023, at 1 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or U.S.Vets.
For the celebration of life attire,
please no black or mourning clothing
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