Joseph Anthony Staffieri, Jr

Joseph Anthony Staffieri, Jr. – better known to family and friends as Joe (or Little Joey) was born in Philadelphia in August 1943 to Joseph and Amelia Staffieri.

Both Parents came from large immigrant families – the Lombardo and Staffieri clans – that immigrated through Ellis Island in the early 1900s.

Joey was preceded in death by his Mother, Amelia Lombardo Staffieri, and his Father, Joseph Anthony Staffieri, Sr.  He is survived by his Sister, Carol Staffieri Heap, her husband, and three children.

Joe grew up in North Philly where he attended North Catholic High School, played football and baseball, and later went on to a college education.  During his high school years, he met Margaret Bella.  The two dated and were later married in July 1964.  They were married 19 years and had two children together, Debbie and T.J.

Joe and Marge moved their young family to Lilburn, Georgia, in 1971 after Joe was transferred to the South by JCPenney.  Joe worked for JCPenney for many years in New York City, where he created and help put together the JCPenney catalogs throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In 1971, he was promoted to opening and managing the new catalog outlet store in Forest Park, Georgia.

After Joe’s time at JCPenney, he moved to work for other large retail catalog corporations such as Wilson’s Jewelers in Mississippi and Louisiana and then back home to Georgia to work for Apex Supply and their catalog division, Supply Line.

After leaving Supply Line, Joe finished out his career by creating and running his own marking firm – Business Direct Marketing Inc.  He worked with many illustrious and large corporations during this time including Ciba Vision and the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL.

As the years passed and Joe and Marge separated, Joe met and married Mila Sobol through the introduction of mutual friends.  It was a perfect match and a beautiful union.

At the time of Joe’s passing, Mila and Joe had been married almost 24 years.  Mila was a soulmate to Joe.  She loved him intensely and took care of and fought for him throughout their lives together.  They lived life to the fullest as they traveled with family and friends, built a beautiful home, entertained loved ones, and eventually welcomed six grandchildren.

Joe retired out of the Polo Fields subdivision in Cumming, GA, alongside his beautiful wife, children, and grandchildren.  In his last years, he struggled with Parkinson’s Disease and moved to Dahlonega, Georgia.  He never gave up nor lost his wonderful sense of humor or that spice for life he always seemed to possess.  He always kept family, visitors, and Chelsey Park staff laughing.

His last residence reflected who he was throughout his life – pictures of his wife, his family, his friends, and, most importantly, his grandchildren.  Memories of his career and interests also filled the room – from his affiliation with the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles to his love of America and her military – especially the US Navy and the USAF.  His room was not only about tangible memories, it was about some of his favorite things as well.  TJ and Mila kept Joe’s nightstand drawers full with Philadelphia Tastykakes, Hershey Bars, Kit Kats, and his favorite – Reese’s Peanut Butter cups.

Joe is survived by his wife Ludmila Staffieri; his children Debbie Hudson and T.J. (Stacy) Staffieri; and his grandchildren Anthony (Tony) Hudson, Nicholas Staffieri, Joshua Hudson, Matt Staffieri, Nick Dubinka, and Michael Dubinka.  He is also survived by three nieces whom he was extremely close to – Tracy Staffieri, Melanie Hudson, and Tara Jones.  Alongside these immediate family members, there are too many cousins and friends to mention by name.

Joe quietly slipped away to his new home on July 4, 2020.  Always one to make a big bang in and out of life, it is fitting that he chose this day.  No one deserved fireworks, good food, and patriotic music more than he did.

We will miss him more than any words can be written, but we look forward to the day we are reunited once again.

“Ci vediamo presto!”
(We will see each other soon!)

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA 30040 is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.