In Memory
Joseph P. Lupresto
Joseph Lupresto, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Pasquale and Josephine (Iemma), his brothers Rocco and James, his sister Julie Kempf, and his nephew, Patrick Lupresto. Joseph is survived by his sister, Rose Brzezinski, former wife and life-long friend Lori Lupresto, sons Joseph (Sarah DeBruyn) and Anthony (Brittny Stephan), daughter Susan Stanfill (Werner), grandchildren Katie Stevenson and Emily Kelly, Charlotte and Cooper Lupresto, 3 nieces and 7 nephews.
Joe was born in South Bend to immigrant parents from Calabria, Italy. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and Central High School. A renaissance man, Joe spent time as a Golden Glove boxer, Navy seaman, master gardener, jazz aficionado, cook, handyman, and entrepreneur. His strong work ethic began when he was 10 years old, selling newspapers on the streets of downtown South Bend. He went on to work for many years at the downtown Lincoln Hotel. He was part owner of a TV store on Portage Avenue, owner of a pool room on Lasalle Street, and part owner of Empire RV in Elkhart. Joe enjoyed sharing that while serving in the Navy on the USS Montrose in 1956, he was part of the crew used in the film "South Pacific".
As an avid gardener, Joe had a particular passion for his tomatoes and Italian sweet basil, the majority of which he would gift to his friends and family. The remainder fueled his joy for cooking and would become sauces and salads or used in any number of his home-cooked meals for his family. His appreciation for good food and family was apparent when he accompanied his sons, and nephew Paul on their annual Christmas trip to Chicago to visit old world Italian grocery stores. Joe was also a connoisseur of jazz, something his sons would only recently begin to understand. Whether in the house, the car, or the yard, you would be sure to hear the sweet sounds of Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, or Chet Baker accompanied by phrases like, “Oh that’s hot boy!”.
Above all else, Joe was a loving, caring, selfless father and grandfather. Always supportive of his children’s endeavors, he encouraged them in their education, sports, arts, relationships, and careers. On a Saturday morning, you could overhear him proudly highlighting their latest accomplishments to his friends at Armando’s barber shop. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Unity Gardens.
Visitation will be from 11 am - 12 pm, Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel 17131 Cleveland Road South Bend, IN. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN.
Posted online on October 06, 2023
Published in South Bend Tribune
10/07/2023 EJS
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