Joseph R. Mannella, Jr.  (Joe)  53, died on Friday, October 7, 2016.  Born in Horsham Pennsylvania on May 2, 1963, he also lived in Indianapolis, Indiana before moving to Orlando. He is survived by his devoted wife, Antonia Luciene (Lulu), and his beloved children Ashley Stevens (Indianapolis) and Joseph Anthony.  Also surviving are parents Joseph R. Mannella, Sr. (Elaine), and Eadie Barrie (Indianapolis); siblings Tammy Taylor (Indianapolis) and Jeanne Mannella  (Indianapolis), and  nieces Marissa and Rachael Taylor.  He was preceded in death by his brother Michael James.

Joe was a longtime employee of Lamm Company Partners serving most recently as Superintendent. He was a graduate of Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and an avid sports fan.

With a zest for life and a smile that would light up a room, Joe embodied the true American spirit of work hard, play hard, love deeply and cherish family.  True to his Italian roots he became an exceptional cook and keeper of family tradition.  Once he met Lulu he embraced her Brazilian heritage as well and learned to cook her favorite ethnic meals.

Joe was a true family man, embracing not only the immediate family but the extended family as well.  Remaining close with family and friends was a constant priority and he did it well. He always had a true sense of the "right thing to do".  A romantic to the core, Joe always found the right sentiment in a card and the right gift for an occasion.  Meeting and marrying Lulu was a precious gift and their love was something out of a romance novel. Devoted doesn't even begin to cover it. His children were one of his greatest blessings and he was always so proud of their accomplishments.  He was an exceptional son, always ready to help or fix anything and that trait carried over to his friends.  Clever and resourceful he could always figure it all out.

Joe loved to ski and snowboard especially in Colorado, he bass fished whenever and wherever he could, and loved to play golf. He especially looked forward to a celebration of family on the New Jersey Shore every July. Music was an important part of his life and he loved to dance.  He embraced his Philadelphia sports teams especially the Flyers and the Eagles and never seemed to forget a statistic.

Calling will be held in Henry Chapel, First Baptist Orlando 3000 South John Young Parkway

on October 20 from 5 to 8 pm. Funeral services will also be held in Henry Chapel on October 21 at 10:30 am.  Inurnment will take place immediately afterward at Winter Garden Cemetery

13636 Lake Butler Blvd, Winter Garden.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Indianapolis on November 4, 2016 at the Northside Knights of Columbus, 2100 East 71st St.  Open House from 6:30 – 9:00 pm ; In Memorium tribute 7:15 pm

In lieu of flowers a donation to the American Lung Association would be welcomed.