June 3, 1961-May 21, 2015
Just shy of his 54th birthday, Joe Cerasuolo left to attend the greatest RUSH concert of his life. Born the eldest of three sons, along with Carmen and John, to Isabella and Orlando of Amaseno and Campagnia, Italy, Joe’s strong work ethic reflected the immigrant lifestyle and success story. After obtaining an education at Sault College in Motive Power, and with over three decades as a heavy equipment mechanic at Essar Steel Algoma, Joe was known as a bit of a “MacGyver,” using what seemed like little more than a paper clip and wad of gum to repair just about anything.
At one time the Sault’s most eligible bachelor, Joe travelled the world taking in every sight and sensation imaginable, from ski hills in the French alps to countless rock concerts and sporting events, including the Super Bowl, until embarking on his biggest adventure with the love of his life, his wife Lanie, who had him at “hello.”
Together, they shared a lifetime of memories raising Andrew, Shae and Gertie, the other three loves of his life, in the house he had carefully built and waiting for them, a dream come true for this young family.
Summers would see vegetable boxes tended to in the hot sun on Pinemore, brimming with delicious veggies by summer’s end. A welcome break was a visit and boat ride north of the Sault on Lake Superior with friends, life jacket safely secured to his person. Making sausages and sauces in the basement of Isabella’s and Orlando’s home brought laughter and tears from stories of the old country. And trips to Ireland to see Fiona and their honorary family overseas had a frothy pint or two raised to celebrate the goodness of living life to the fullest.
Last summer, Joe proudly pulled nearly every fish out of Campbell’s Bay on Manitoulin Island on a visit to the Witty homestead, but put a few back in for the rest of us. In February, he and Lanie escaped from the cold of what seemed like the longest winter ever to enjoy a cervaza in the wonderful warmth of the Dominican Republic.
No matter where Joe went, he was well loved by everyone.
Joey, we still need to go on that trip over to your beautiful homeland of Italy. Thank you for being such an incredibly loving husband, father, son, uncle, and friend to us. We’ll meet you on the other side.
Visiting at the Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road 705-945-7758) on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the time of service in the chapel at 2p.m., with Reverend Eun-Joo Park officiating; entombment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum.
Donations to ARCH Hospice and Sault College Motive Power Student Scholarships gratefully appreciated.