Joseph P. Laurenzi Jr., born on February 7, 1943, to Joseph and Adele (Tombesi), peacefully passed on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 82.

He leaves behind a space for grace and acceptance to unconditionally love others while battling mental illness.

Joe worked at AMC (American Motors) for years while completing his engineering degree by correspondence through UW-Madison. His passion for tinkering and understanding the function of all things carried through to his love of mathematics-he had quite the calculator collection. Information and historical facts were a hobby he loved sharing daily.

Joseph carried himself with joy and happiness. He was rarely upset and handled his anxiety with humor. He also loved watching a Packers or Brewers game on TV.

As best as he was able, Joe was a devoted father to Cathy (Jesse) Essex and took immense joy in the role of grandfather to Lorenzo Essex, instilling in him the values of curiosity and compassion. Joseph is further survived by his eldest sister, Yolanda Camosy and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Adele Laurenzi; his brothers, Ezio and Dino Laurenzi; his sisters, Lena Cardinali and Florence Gifford; his sons, Peter and Antonio Laurenzi; and ex-wife, with whom he remained friends with, Raffaella Laurenzi.

In his honor, please enjoy a quarter pounder with cheese meal with a Diet Coke and finish it off with a hot cup of coffee and an apple pie. Joe did like his McDonald’s dates with family.

A huge thank you to Hospice Alliance for treating Joe with care and respect until the end and to Father Bob for his blessing which completed his peaceful passing.