Giuseppe Baccelliere “Joe”
"Immaculate heart of Mary we place all our trust in you."
Date passed: 9th of October 2019
Funeral date: 30th of October 2019
“Immaculate heart of Mary we place all our trust in you.”
Joe passed peacefully away on the 9th October in his own home surrounded by his loving family, aged 72 years.
The beloved husband of Janet. Much loved dad of Maria, Francesco, Giovanna and Chiara. Also a cherished brother, uncle and good friend. Joe will be so sadly missed by his family, his parish community and everyone who knew him.
Joe was born in the small village of Oppido Lucano, Potenza, Italy to proud parents Domenico and Maria Antonia. He came from a large family, one of eleven siblings. Bernadette, Maria, Michella, Nicola, Antonio, Guy and Gianna (all sadly now deceased) and survived by Donato, Bettino and Mimmo.
He went to school locally at the Scuola Elementare and then to Seminary in San Damiano in Umbria. He was a hard working and extremely bright pupil, in fact when he studied for his degree and teaching diploma he completed it in a year, when the normal period was four years! He also spent a year on Sicily doing his national service.
Life in the family home was a happy one, even though it was a very humble means of living. His parents were very hard working and the family had very little in terms of possessions, quite often there was very little food as well, one of his favourite meals was a piece of dry bread with a tomato!
In winter he loved to go on to the hill by the house and using a couple of pieces of wood, ski down the hillside. He loved playing football and watching films in the local village cinema. When a bit older he loved spending time with his friends, having a drink in the local bar, having a game of cards, while all the time looking for any work he could do. He had a real sense of humour and loved winding people up and playing jokes on people.
After moving over to England he met his wife to be, Janet in the White Lion in Weston. It was love at first sight, although he said that she was “too tall”! From that moment they were very rarely apart, spending most of their time visiting Janet’s relatives and going to Sherwood Forest where Janet spent a lot of her days when she was younger. They settled down to married life in Crewe, the home becoming a family home when the four children came along. He took a job at the Post Office in the main sorting office. He was offered promotion many times but always turned it down, saying he loved working with “the people” who made the job what it was.
Joe would still find time each year to go back to the village of his birth for a summer holiday, taking in a bit of sight-seeing and visiting the beautiful shrines to our lady. Plus a trip to the seaside too. He was a true family man, he loved spending time with the children, helping to teach and educate them about anything and everything. He was a loyal and valued member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Crewe. In 1987 he began to lead a choir and play the organ every Sunday at 11am Mass with Janet, his wife. His favourite hymn was “Oh Holy Night”, which he played so beautifully and the family would often gather round to sing it together over and over again, until Father Jerome told them to stop!! He was dedicated to the church and the family will continue to lead the music in his honour, Joe told them not to stop! Also every year at Christmas he would prepare the crib for the church.
Joe loved to take days out on the train or bus, he also loved walking, reading and spending time in his garden. He loved watching the Tour De France and Giro d’Italia cycling races and would keep any eye on how Juventus were doing in Italian football league. He also loved eating a good pasta dish washed down with a fine red wine.
His family described Joe as a caring, kind, easy going, brave, fun loving, generous, creative, hardworking, unassuming, confident, dedicated and thoughtful man who would never accept sadness or negativity in any aspect of life. and they would like to thank everyone who has supported, visited and prayed for Joe over the last few weeks.
A requiem mass in celebration for the life of Joe will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception RC Church, Crewe on Wednesday 30th October at 12 noon, followed by burial in the family grave in Crewe Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Joe will be gratefully received on behalf of the Lourdes Group.
“Sacred heart of Jesus we place all our trust in you.”
For any further information please contact our funeral home on 01270 58444.
Sending my heartfelt sympathies to Janet and the family, but I know full well Joe is in paradise. I cherish the memories I have of him and thank god for his friendship. Rest in eternal peace Joe, until please god we meet again.
- Approved by oconnellLots of memories with Joe and his beautiful family from my childhood to date. Thinking and praying for you all as always.
- Approved by oconnellLove you all dearly, Marie & family xx
Just to let you know you are all very close in thought and prayer.
- Approved by oconnellI know that God will grace you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
I am eternally grateful to Joe for being there on my reconversion 13 years ago. His Love, passion and zeal for the Catholic church , Our Lord and Our Lady was contagious ! Love Karen
A very big hug to all Joe’s wonderful family. I’ll never forget how you host me with love when I was alone in UK. The warmth I felt, it’s still unforgettable. I am totally sure He is now in the Highest Heaven with my sweet father and they are brightening together in the Milky Way. All my prayers for you all. Be strong!
- Approved by oconnellWith love, Mannik (from COMO – Italy)
There are no words Janet, Maria, Francesco, Giovanna and Chiara that can ease the pain of the loss of your beloved Joe, but you all have wonderful memories to share that will give comfort in time. He will indeed be in paradise, resting in eternal peace. God bless you all, in my thoughts and prayers, Anne
- Approved by oconnellHuge hugs, love and thanks to Joe and family, God’s Blessings on you all, grateful for sweet uplifting memories….Joe, yasy, Emma, Molly. xxx xxx xxx
- Approved by oconnellMy deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you all. May god give you strength throughout this difficult time. Rest In Peace Joe
- Approved by oconnellDad, there is no need for many words… You know what’s in my heart.
- Approved by oconnellYou are the best and will always be the best!
May you rest in eternal peace and happiness.
I know we will see you again one-day.
Love you, very, very much.
Maria ❤
Our love and sympathies go out to Janet and all the family.
Joe was a lovely, funny, warm man of great faith.
May you rest in eternal peace in God’s presence Joe. A just reward for a loyal servant of the Church.
Avis and Norman Carter
- Approved by oconnellThinking of Janet and the family at this sad time. Myself and my family have great memories of meals, jokes and laughing with “Mr. Joe”. Rest in peace Joe xx
- Approved by oconnellOur thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Rest in peace Joe, a great work colleague ,always with a smile.Terry and Barbara Nott
- Approved by oconnellVery big hug to all uncle Joe’s Wonderful family. I am totally sure He is now in the Highest Heaven with his sister (my dear mother) and his brothers and they are brightening together .
- Approved by oconnellThere are no words aunt Janet, Maria, Francesco, Giovanna and Chiara that can ease the pain of uncle Joe’s loss, but we all have wonderful memories to share that will give comfort in time. He will indeed be in paradise, resting in eternal peace. God bless you all, in my thougths and in my heart, Eufemia.
Thinking of Janet & all the family at this sad time, praying that God will shower you with blessings, may he comfort you in your time of sorrow and bring peace to you during this difficult time. RIP Joe, a true gentleman x
- Approved by oconnellMy beautiful uncle Joe. You brought happiness and serenity in my childhood!! I couldn’t wait for you coming to Italy, I was counting down for it. The way you make us praying and enjoying was absolutely marvellous. Your smile, your generosity, your positivity are rare qualities. You will be forever “il mio eterno fidanzato” this is our joke. Love you. Be in peace. Diana
- Approved by oconnellTo Maria and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know Joe will be in Heaven with God and all the angels and saints. He was an amazing, cheerful, friendly man, he would welcome everyone. I will never forget his kindness and words of wisdom. Sending prayers to you all. x
- Approved by oconnellI only knew Joe for a short time, bumping into him in the shops or at Church, but he made me feel I was his friend, thanks Joe . My condolences and prayers to his wife and family .
- Approved by oconnell