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 in the morning on Friday April 17, our beloved dad, husband, grandpa, brother, gently and peacefully left this Earth, at home with his wife and daughters present by his side, and finished his journey to his destination…God said:” Welcome home Joe, my good and faithful servant.” He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jacquelyn (McGregor) Naimo, the love of his life…his children: Jan Naimo Jones, Jill and John Rolf, Joseph and Karen Naimo, Jennifer and Tim Morales, and Jody Naimo; his 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren, who adored him; and his sister, Mary Grace Muma; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Anna Hankewicz 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: “he’d be the first one there and the last one to leave…” because he was still engaged in conversation with someone. Growing up on the South side of Grand Rapids, where he made lifelong friends, he attended Our Lady of Sorrows grade school, followed by South High. He loved sports of any kind, but he poured his heart into being a great amateur Golden Gloves boxer! While at South High he was a cheerleader, a cartoonist in his spare time, and was also voted by his peers for the yearbook mock elections to be Class Clown. 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, he married her the very next year. For all 70 years, she was everything to him…his partner, his trusted friend, 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. This led to training for Air Traffic Control, beginning while stationed at Great Lakes Naval base, leading to a long and respected career as an Air Traffic controller, from 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 the skills of radar. He 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 being 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, any need…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, his attention, his protection. He always put his family first, never himself. He modeled for his children what good character was. He was always there, always present, always ready to give more. This continued even on to the grandchildren…attending all the games, all the recitals, all the theater productions…he was always there participating in their lives, enjoying and supporting. Joe also had a great love for Sports, of any kind. He actively participated in any sport he could, playing softball, bowling, and golfing. But 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 girl’s 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 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. 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 these last few years after battling debilitating Covid, the once active and unstoppable Joe gracefully accepted his limitations. While still continuing to push to regain strength and be a participant in life. We are so grateful to all the amazing caregivers and therapists who showed up daily to give Mr. Joe such loving care that allowed him to stay in his home! And to the amazing VA team for unending support.  And 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 greatly fortunate we have been to have known and loved a man of such integrity and honor and goodness. We can truly say, well done, good and faithful Servant. Well done. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 23, at 11 am at Holy Redeemer Church 2700 Baldwin St, Jenison, with Rev. Victor Kynam officiating. The burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, April 22, from 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. An additional visitation will be held on Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to HELP Pregnancy Aid.