HURLEY, Wis. - Joseph F. Negri, 80, of Hurley, died unexpectedly Friday, May 13, 2016, at home.
He was born July 12, 1935, in Chicago, son of the late Joseph and Domenica (Novascone) Negri. He attended St. Mary's Grade School in Hurley and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1953. He then served stateside in the U.S. Army for two years.
Following his discharge, Joe attended Milwaukee Institute of Technology where he became a diesel mechanic and was employed at Cummins Diesel for 30 years. He then was self-employed and operated Joe's Diesel Service in Menomonee Falls until his retirement, returning to Hurley in 2000.
Joe was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, the Machinists Union and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
He married Sheryl Hall on Aug. 18, 1956. She preceded him in death on June 14, 2014.
Surviving are a son, Scott (Cathy), Minocqua; two daughters, Stephanie (Paul) Gramann, New Glarus, and Stacie (Marty) Craig, Portage; six grandchildren; a sister, Lena Camponeschi, Hurley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey, in 1968; two brothers, Dominic and Lawrence; and three sisters, Frances Cooksey, Minnie Rodeghiero and Mary Pachmayer.
Per Joe's wishes, cremation has taken place.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 28, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Frank Kordek OFM, celebrant.
Rite of Committal and inurnment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley.
Luncheon will be served in the parish hall upon return from the cemetery.
Joe's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.