Joseph Dominic DiCello, 85, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, after a long battle with Parkinsons Disease.

Joseph was born July 26, 1924, in Kenosha, Wis., to Frank DiCello, of Platonia, Catanzaro, Italy, and Mary Mancuso DiCello from Italy. Joseph was married on July 14, 1945, to Jean Celestia Ranchel, who survives him at the family home. He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

He is survived by his wife; children, Isabelle Gotsche and her husband, Gordon, of Roswell, N.M., Frank DiCello and his wife, Catherine, of Kenosha, Wis., John DiCello of Roswell, N.M., and Jennifer Sanchez and her husband, Elmo, of Roswell, N.M.; brother, Mike DiCello and his wife, Theresa; sisters, Emma Shulski of Kenosha whose husband, Bill, now deceased, was a dear of friend of Joe's, Katherine Lee of Georgia whose husband James Lee, now deceased, was also a beloved friend of Joe; 15 grandchildren, David Gotsche, Robin Guzman, Jonathan Gotsche, Gabriel Gotsche, Rachel Booker, Joel Gotsche, Dion DiCello, Dana DiCello, Ryan Witt, Jerry Witt, Jeannette DiCello, Jacob DiCello, Michael DiCello, Joseph Sanchez, and Amanda Sanchez; eight great grandchildren, Alek Guzman, Kristian Guzman, Anthony DiCello, Aiden Witt, Dason Gotsche, Eli Gotsche, Mason Gotsche, and Madden Gotsche.

Joseph's sister, Rose Fran Ruffalo, of Sarasota, Fla., preceded him in death.

His good friends were Bob Chiasson, Steve Yankovich, Merle Gotsche, and George Joseph, all deceased. Also to be mentioned are long time friends, Leon Edmark, Jessie Leos, Louis Cairo, and Joe Cillis,

Joseph worked very hard throughout his life, often working two jobs at a time to take care of his family. He was very self-sacrificing, for which his family remains appreciative. He worked in the Wisconsin branch of the Civilian Conservation Corps, constructing recreation sites; later at Arneson Foundry; and for many years, at Simmons Mattress Factory in Kenosha, Wis.

Joseph and his wife, and his dear friend and brother-in-law, Jim Lee and wife, Katherine Lee, opened Midwest Music Store. Many fine musicians today owe their expertise to that venture.

In Roswell, Joseph owned two businesses, "Woodland," a cabinet shop, and "The Basket Tree," a gift store. Joseph was a fine carpenter.

He was a great father, husband, and a faithful friend. He loved to shoot pool and play pinochle. He had a playful sense of humor. Joseph volunteered his time to help construct Kingdom Halls. Thanks to Jehovah God, we have the hope of seeing our dad again in the paradise on earth, when he is resurrected to good health again. (John 5:28,29)

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home in Roswell, N.M.