Joseph W Morio, 63, of Interlochen, passed Feb 2, 2020 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City after a heroic battle with cancer.
Joe retired from Leelanau Sands Casino and Lodge in May 2019 after 14 years of service, starting first in security and then as a shuttle driver. Some of Joe's prior jobs included working as a telephone operator at Michigan Bell, mud logger in Texas, limo driver in Palm Springs, CA, and assembler at Lear Corporation in Traverse City.
He attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and graduated from Traverse City Senior High School in 1974. Throughout his middle and high school years, he was active in many school plays and musicals.
In his younger years he enjoyed many outdoor activities, including canoeing, sailing, and hiking. He had a passion for writing novels, screen plays and short stories. His favorite activities included sports, chess, reading, especially science fiction, watching movies, and playing darts.
Joe was dedicated to his mother, taking her to church, dinner, and out for the occasional movie. His mother, Catherine, commented that "Joe always did it his way."
He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence C. Morio.
He is survived by his mother, Catherine E Morio, living in FL; sisters, Margaret Stricker (Barney), Christine Morio (Bob Sutterfield), and Rita Kazcmarek (Tom); nephew, Jason Stricker; nieces, Milana Kazcmarek, Melissa Stricker Cartwright (Perry) Emma and Abigail Cartwright; and also many cousins and friends.
He will also be missed by Jennifer L Kolinske, of Beulah, who is his dearest friend in the world.
A memorial Mass will be held at 11 am Fri, Feb 7, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City. Family will greet friends starting at 10 am. A funeral luncheon will follow at the VFW Hall on Veterans Drive.
