Joseph M. Mercurio

Joseph M. Mercurio, beloved husband and father, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 25, 2019, at the age of 83.  Joseph is survived by his four children, Karin, Kenneth, Patti-Jo and Peggi, and his four grandchildren, Cameron, Carson, Mary and Hannah.

Joseph was born to Joseph and Marge Mercurio on March 20, 1936. He attended high school in Bloomfield where he met a future nursing student named Nancy. The friendship changed and in September, 1959 they were married.  As the couple settled in northern New Jersey children soon followed. His children were the shining light in his life and very often Joseph was known to tell everyone the accomplishments and accolades of his children.

Joseph was quite the athlete in high school participating in golf, baseball and basketball. There his love of golf led him to participating in the annual golf tournaments.  At Seton Hall he pursued a degree in psychology forever embedding in him a love of people, personalities and social connections. He valued these connections the most. His ability to make lasting friendships became his claim to fame.  In fact, the friends he made in high school continued to be his friends throughout his life. 

Joseph was a leader in his professional career, always putting people first.  Whether it was as a personnel supervisor in the manufacturing business or his years of commitment in the service industry, Joe was always the go to guy. Joe Merc was the guy you called in if you wanted it done and done with perfection and pride, citing the people he worked with as the people who deserved the credit even though it was his drive and dedication that got the job done.

Joseph settled in for retirement in North Myrtle Beach and found golf for himself in the Tidewater Plantation community making sure the beach was close by for his wife. He enjoyed his home, looking out onto the tee box of the 15^th hole. He became known as Joey Bada Boom to the members of his group of friends, the Red Cups. He played golf, bocce ball, darts and he went bowling. But you can’t take the Jersey out of the boy as he followed his beloved Yankees and Giants in the spring and fall.  Joe also followed his beloved game of golf; his family knew not to bother him during any of the four major golf tournaments. Joe loved for his grandkids to come and see him and showed them off to everyone.  He was also heard bragging and showing off pictures of them any chance he got. Joseph was a man all about his family and his wife. His love was never ending.

A short service was held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church in North Myrtle Beach.  A memorial will be planned in the near future to celebrate Joe’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A guest book is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach served the family.