IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Joseph

Joseph Jafolla Profile Photo

Jafolla

March 18, 1924 – October 9, 2006

Obituary

Iron Mountain: Joseph Jafolla, age 82, of Iron Mountain, passed away Monday, October 9, 2006, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iron Mountain. Joey (Jaff) Jafolla was born to Ben and Angelina Jafolla on March 18, 1924, in Iron Mountain. Born and raised on the Northside, Joey was loved by many and known for the guy that did it his way, living each day to its fullest and accepting whatever life threw his way! Joey had an incredible talent of turning any negative; life threw his way, into a positive and making the best out of any situation. Friend to all, Joey was a not a stranger to giving of himself to anyone in need. Caring for the ill, visiting nursing homes and going that extra mile to make their world a bit happier and fulfilling. In Joey's life, he was a member of many community groups: a member of the Immaculate Conception Church serving on their finance committee, VFW, American Legion, 40 & 8, Moose Lodge, Elks, Lions, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name, Piasano's, CIAO, AFLCIO Labor Union and the Frequent Flyers Club. Joey served in WWII as one of the original Seabee's from 1942-1945 serving in the Pacific Theater. He married Elaina (Fontecchio) on October 25, 1947 at the Immaculate Conception Church and remained a member throughout his life. They had three daughters, two of whom have preceded him and Elaina (2000) in death; Lori Ann in 1963 and Donna Jafolla Tappy 1972. Joey also had 14 brothers and sisters that preceded him as well. Joey is survived by his daughter, Deb Ponzio of Sun Prairie, WI; two grandsons, Jason Johnston of Beavercreek, Ohio, Joe Johnston (Shannon) of Niagara; one great granddaughter Kiley May (Joe & Shannon) Johnston of Niagara; a beloved brother Guido (Cecilia) Jafolla of Iron Mountain; many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. After coming home from service, Joey worked for Dickinson County for many years and is remembered as being the strongest man they had ever seen. Hard work was something that Joey was no stranger to. He purchased his first Tavern in 1958-1963 in Spread Eagle known as Joey Jaff's. He then moved to Niagara and built Joey J's in 1964-1974. In 1975-1983 he opened Joey Jaff's Avenue Bar in Iron Mountain. Joey was also known for playing as hard as he worked and will be remembered as a man that enjoyed life, leaving nothing to complete at the end of his journey. Joey had a heart as big as his life and would make others laugh, lend a helping hand, plow a driveway, give a ride and even the shirt off of his back, if needed. To many he was known as a Legend, Mr. Wonderful, Vegas, Mountain, Joey Jaff, PaPa, Gramps, but to me…he was my Dad! He has not gone far; he is just on the other side of Florence playing his last game of Blackjack and telling a story to bring a smile to your face! Leaving nothing left undone…Joey Jaff took his last breath. Visitation will be Thursday, October 12, 2006, 4 -8 p.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Prayers will be recited Friday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, 10:00 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Father Joseph Gouin will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. The American Legion Post #50 of Iron Mountain will offer a full color guard at the cemetery. Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Joey's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com The Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is serving the family.
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