Joseph Naimo

There are some people whose presence fills a room—not because they try to, but because of the warmth, joy, and genuine love they carry with them. Joseph Anthony Naimo was that kind of man. Early Friday morning,  April 17, with his wife and daughters by his side, our beloved dad, husband, grandpa, and brother, gently and peacefully passed away.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jacquelyn (McGregor) Naimo, the love of his life, and children: Jan Naimo Jones and Brian Jones, Jill and John Rolf, Joseph and Karen Naimo, Jennifer and Tim Morales, and Jody Naimo; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren, who adored him; his sister, Mary Grace Muma; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Anna Hankiewicz and Rose Russo; and his precious great-granddaughter, Jane Kathryn Rolf.

Born on June 11, 1935, to Joseph and Mary Naimo, Joe grew up as the only son in a proud Italian family alongside his three sisters. From the very beginning, he was someone people were drawn to and easy to be around, funny, full of life…never short on something to say. He absolutely loved people, and it showed. If you knew Joe, you knew the joke, that he'd be the first one there and the last one to leave, because he was still engaged in conversation with someone.

Joe was incredibly proud of his Italian heritage, his Catholic faith, and being a Veteran of the US Air Force, and most of all, his family, the center of everything.

He grew up on the South side of Grand Rapids, where he made lifelong friends, attending Our Lady of Sorrows grade school, followed by South High. While at South High he was a cheerleader, a cartoonist in his spare time, and was also voted Class Clown by his peers. He loved sports of any kind and poured his heart into becoming a great Amateur Golden Gloves boxer.

During his senior year at South High, Joe met the love of his life, Jackie McGregor, a year his junior. He didn’t waste any time, marrying soon after she finished high school. For 70 years, she was everything to him - his partner, trusted friend, and the center of his world. He cherished the life they built together raising a family and it became his greatest pride and joy.

Right out of high school Joe joined the United States Air Force with some of his buddies, during the Korean Conflict.  He received training as an Air Traffic Controller,  at Great Lakes Naval base, which led to a long and respected career as an Air Traffic Controller. Where he worked at Midway to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, then finally back home again to Grand Rapids, to what was then Kent County International Airport. He was excellent at what he did, but what truly set him apart was his way with people. After retiring from Kent County International in 1988, he made the commute four days a week to Chicago O’Hare to train new and upcoming air traffic controllers. 

Joe had a natural gift for bringing people together. His presence made people feel comfortable, included, and at ease. There was not a mean bone in his body. He was gentle and sweet, and whether you knew him for a long time or were just meeting him for the first time, you knew you were encountering a genuinely good man. He was definitely one-of-a- kind, irreplaceable, and his absence is deeply felt.

Joe loved the Lord deeply, and his Catholic faith, and lived that faith with unshakable conviction, both within his family life, and by serving his Church in many capacities, with humility and devotion. This started at an early age as an altar server at Our Lady of Sorrows, and eventually as one of the leaders in the Charismatic Renewal movement in Grand Rapids for decades, including the Tuesday night West Catholic HS prayer meetings, and formation of community. He deeply loved working with the youth in his parish, most especially preparing them for their Confirmation. If you needed prayer you went to Joe, he had a reputation for having a "direct connection." He was not ashamed or timid about praying over people in public, before games in locker rooms, before theater performances, if sick, he would lay his hand on you to bless you and pray. He believed, so he did it. He prayed constantly and daily, with his list of people by his side so he wouldn’t forget anyone.

Joseph was completely devoted to his family. They always felt his total love, attention and protection. He always put them before himself. 

He modeled for his children what good character was. This continued on to the grandchildren, attending all their games, recitals, and theater productions. He was always there participating in their lives. 

With Joe's great love of all sports, he actively participated in any sport he could, playing softball, bowling, and golfing. After retirement, he became known as Coach Naimo and dedicated himself to coaching basketball, especially his grandchildren. He loved his teams that he coached, both girls and boys at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and at West Catholic High School.  The girls JV team…he poured his time, energy, and heart into every player. Coach Naimo may have been small in stature, but armed with his megaphone he was a force on the courts!

Joe Naimo was the kind of man who made life feel fuller, through conversation, laughter, faith, and love. He showed up for people. He stayed. He listened, he talked, he joked, and he cared deeply.

In the last few years, the once active and unstoppable Joe gracefully accepted increasing physical  limitations. He still continued to push to regain strength and be a participant in life. The family is so grateful to all the amazing caregivers and therapists who showed up daily to give Mr. Joe the loving care and support that allowed him to stay in his home, as well as the amazing VA team for their unending support. 

While there’s an ache in us knowing he won’t be the last one lingering in the room anymore, still talking and connecting, we think of him and remind ourselves how fortunate we have been to have known and loved a man of such integrity, honor and goodness. We can truly say, "Well done, good and faithful Servant. Well done."

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 23, at 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, with Rev. Victor Kynam officiating, with a luncheon to follow at the church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. An additional viewing will be held on Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass at Holy Redeemer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: HELP Pregnancy Aid.