Joseph “Joe” Dominic Ceola went to Jesus on July 14, 2021, with his son, Larry, daughter, Kaye, and son-in-law, Steve, by his side. Joe loved working from the crack of dawn to sunset each day and passed while working on his beloved farm.
Joe was born May 20, 1936, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Ceola. He joined the Navy and served his country from January 1954 to May of 1957. During this time, he married Charlotte Jean Davis, and their marriage lasted 63 years until Jean’s passing in 2019. The couple welcomed two children into their life together, son, Larry Bradford Ceola, and daughter, Sharon Kaye Ceola Norris.
Joe’s life was one of service to many. He continually reached out to others to help them and as he was exceptionally talented in many areas, he had much to give. As a skilled mechanic, he kept people safe in their vehicles. As a carpenter, plumber, and electrician, he built homes from the ground up and helped others with their homes whether that was building a wheelchair ramp or renovating and repairs. He was a master woodworker whose skilled hands created beautiful furniture and artwork. His gardens’ blooms gave color to those around him, and his harvest was always shared with friends, family, and those in need. Perhaps Joe’s greatest gift to others was his warm smile that twinkled through his eyes and his infectious laughter that often led him to break out in song. He truly was able to make others see his infectious love of life and of people.
Although Joe was the first to help anyone in need, he preferred to be out of the limelight and in the background. He wanted to help others in any way he could, but he was a humble man who wished for no praise.
As a grandfather and father, Joe’s generous hands were always there. Whether he was helping his grandsons work on their homes or building furniture for their houses, his first thought was of his kids and grandkids. He supported them in everything from scouts to their careers, cheering them on every step of the way.
A celebration of life will be held for Joe on September 5, 2021, at 3 p.m. on his son, Larry’s property, 378 Borden Run Road, Fincastle, Virginia 24090. The family requests that you bring your favorite story of Joe, a chair, and, if you would like, a dish to share in fellowship with family and friends. Please dress comfortably for this outdoor celebration. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department or Good Samaritan Hospice.
Joe is survived by daughter, Kaye Norris and her husband, Steve; son, Larry, and his wife, Terry; grandchildren, Jason Ceola, and his wife, Juliana; Daniel Ceola, and his wife, Candice; Alex Norris and his wife, Kayla; great-granddaughters, Willow Annette Ceola, and Eleanor Rose Ceola; his sister, Evelyn Maestri; and many nieces and nephews, as well as his special friend, Emily Galbreath.
