Joseph C. Sinex, MD, FACS

October 19, 1932 – October 22, 2024

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Dr. Joseph “Joe” C. Sinex, a man whose remarkable story of love, resilience, and service will remain an inspiration to all who knew him. Born on October 19, 1932, in Bloomington, Indiana, Joe’s life was a journey shaped by hardship and triumph, and filled with purpose, compassion, and devotion.

From his earliest years, Joe faced unimaginable challenges. At the age of two, he survived a tragic accident that claimed the life of his mother, Cimie, who gave her life to shield him. As a young boy, he endured the loss of both his three older brothers in a series of separate tragic accidents—all before he turned thirteen. These losses weighed heavily on his family and gave rise to whispers of a curse, with many doubting he would survive beyond childhood. But Joe’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance. He carried these early sorrows with quiet strength and used them as fuel to build a life defined by love, service, faith and dedication.

Joe’s work ethic was forged on his Uncle's family farm, where he lived with relatives and labored tirelessly from a young age. At sixteen, he left the farm and worked in a variety of jobs, including as a cab driver, cabinet maker, and draftsman—skills that would serve him throughout his life with creativity and resourcefulness. In 1951, at the height of the Korean War, Joe enlisted in the Air Force and for two of his four enlisted years, was stationed in Japan. It was there that he discovered a gift for language, becoming fluent in Japanese, and further instilled the values of discipline, service, and honor that would guide him throughout his life.

Upon returning home, Joe enrolled at Purdue University using the GI Bill, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Though he excelled in the field, something was missing. On the advice of a professor, Joe made a monumental decision to apply to Indiana University Medical School, setting him on the path to his true calling. For many, the search for purpose is lifelong, but Joe found his in medicine.

During this pivotal time, Joe also found love. While working at Indianapolis Power and Light, he met Darlene, a beautiful young woman whose kindness and spirit captivated him. By their 5th date, three months after they met, Joe knew he could not live without her. In July of that same year—just five months later—they were married. As newlyweds, they faced the challenges of medical school together, with Darlene working tirelessly to support Joe’s dream and their future.

After completing his residency, Joe and Darlene made the easy decision to trade cold winters for Florida sunshine and moved to Tampa Florida where Joe began his internship at Tampa General Hospital. Once his internship was complete they headed to the sunny shore of Daytona Beach, where Joe joined a medical partnership and they remain to this day. It was here that Joe’s unwavering commitment to his community began. Over the course of his career, Joe worked at Halifax Medical Center, Ormond Memorial Hospital—where he served as chief of staff—Humana, and Florida Healthcare. Known for his tireless dedication, Joe often worked long hours, rising at 5 a.m. and sometimes not returning home for days. He was beloved by his patients, treating them not just with skill but with compassion and integrity. In a time when healthcare was rapidly changing, Joe remained true to his calling, often treating financially struggling patients at the back door of his office.

Though the demands of his profession were great, Joe found immense joy in seeing his children thrive. He and Darlene adopted their son, James (Jim), in 1968, followed by their daughter, Julie, in 1969. Just a year later, they were surprised and overjoyed to welcome their daughter, Kathleen (Kathy), completing their family. Together, Joe and Darlene built a warm and loving home, filled with the kind of joyful chaos Joe had always dreamed of. With Darlene managing the household and providing unwavering care to their children and many neighborhood kids, their home became the heart of a vibrant family life.

But life took another challenging turn. After 35 years of practicing medicine, Joe was diagnosed with dementia—a devastating diagnosis, perhaps brought on by years of sleepless nights and the stresses of his medical career. The family feared they were losing the man they loved, but Joe had one more lesson in perseverance to teach. With Darlene’s tireless care and devotion, Joe lived for an extraordinary eighteen years after his diagnosis.

As Joe transitioned from caregiver to patient, Darlene’s role also shifted—from loving wife to devoted caregiver. Her commitment to Joe was as beautiful as it was challenging, and she never faltered, often spending ten or more hours a day by his side during his final years. Their love story endured even through the ups and downs of dementia, inspiring all who witnessed it. Theirs was a story of true devotion—an unbreakable bond that stood the test of time and circumstance.

Joe’s life was defined not just by his accomplishments, but by the love, kindness, and dedication he poured into his family, his patients, and his community. He gave everything for his family, allowing them to achieve anything they desired. No one has given more to their family and community, and Joe will always be revered by those he mentored and the countless lives he touched. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he inspired—especially Darlene, his children Jim, Julie, and Kathy, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those privileged to know him. Though his journey was marked by hardship, it was also filled with joy, love, and meaning.

Rest well, Joe. You defied every expectation, lived beyond all measure of what it means to live a good life, and left the world a better place. Thank you for your service, your unwavering spirit, and the love you gave so freely. Your story will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know you.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Darlene , son Jim Sinex, daughters Julie Mayer and Kathleen Thomas, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren and another one coming shortly. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and three sisters.

We wish to express our gratitude to Halifax Hospice and Paradise Pointe Assisted Living & Memory Care for the kind and loving care.

With all our love and gratitude,

Your Family

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Alzheimers Association, alz.org