Joe, as he was commonly known, was born on December 6, 1949 in Vagos, Portugal. He was the beloved husband of Laura (Dorando) Servo, and father to Joey Servo (Toni), Mike Servo (Jillian) and grandfather to Olivia Marie Servo; He is also survived by his mother, Maria Emilia Trindade Servo; sisters, Marie A. Cruz (Al), Rose Marie Reis (George) and brother Anthony Servo as well as several nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Manuel A. Servo and grandson Owen Michael Servo. We find comfort in the promise that he is now reunited in Heaven with our glorious God and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as well as by the loved ones who preceded him in earthly death.
Joe immigrated to the United States at the age of 11 years old with his parents and sisters in 1960 and settled in Newark, NJ. He graduated from East Side High School in 1969 and attended Lincoln Technical School for A/C and Refrigeration.
During his high school years, Joe played soccer having won several trophies, and later played for local teams in NJ Semi-Pro League.
Joe met his wife, and life-long sweetheart, Laura Ann Dorando in high school in 1966 and were married October 8, 1972 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Church.
Joe always had a very creative mind. From his early years, working on a 1966 Mustang Fastback, which he had cloned into a Shelby, utilizing fiberglass to create scoops and parts. Joe later sold the car, where the buyer asked him, “why are you selling this car, this looks better than the real thing”. Joe’s reply was, “I want the real thing” and later purchased a 1968 Shelby GT 500 KR. Joe was a gifted individual who was able to create home renovations others could only dream about. To plumbing, electric, appliances, concrete, drywall, you name it, Joe was a master-craftsmen and a perfectionist to the highest regard. Joe had done multiple side jobs throughout Pinellas County for individuals and later helped his sons recondition their homes. Joe had also continually remodeled his own residence countless times, for the challenge, and frankly because he could.
Joe and Laura relocated to Largo, FL in 1982; he was then employed at Bill Halls TV and Appliance and then later joined the Pinellas County school system working his way up the ladder. He became a Maintenance Technician fondly known as “Rocket Scientist” for the Department of Safety and Security under Terry Huberty. The following is a message from Terry, “I am so proud to have known Joe both as a friend and a co-worker. Joe was an absolute joy to have as my General Maintenance Technician. We knew when the work was assigned to Joe it would be completed on time and with perfection. Principals at the schools Joe serviced for years would share what meticulous work he did for them and what a great guy he was. I know Joe loved his wife and family with all his heart. I will always remember Joe as a family first man and a guy who poured his heart into everything he accomplished.” “Rest in Peace Joe Servo.”
Joe retired from the school system December 18, 2015. His health deteriorated two weeks later and the battle with cancer began. He fought hard for 5 years, trying to keep up with his regiment of working out at the gym. He met many good people there and formed lasting friendships.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to
Seasons Hospice Foundation-Donation Processing Center, 8537 Solution Center, Chicago, IL 60677
He accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior in 2018 and was baptized in the Gulf by Pastor Mike Hasha through the ministry of Calvary Church Clearwater. He attended church there and belonged to a very special Bible Study Group that he grew to love and cherish. They were his brothers and sisters in Christ.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
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