Joseph James Pascual Sr.

Joe was born June 23, 1934 to the late Eligio and Mary Burke Pascual in Brooklyn, NY. As a youth, Joe was drawn to the great American pastime- baseball and even earned an opportunity to try out for the NY Yankees! Later, he and his brother built roadsters and successfully petitioned the city of Huntington, NY for a dragstrip.

Joe graduated from South Huntington High in the spring of 1952 and began his collegiate studies on a full ride scholarship at “The BEST Ivy League school, Dartmouth” in Hanover, New Hampshire. While in school, he met Eleanor Haseltine and they later married on June 27, 1955. Joe was full of pride anytime Dartmouth beat Harvard at anything! After earning his engineering degree in 1956, Joe began his professional career in the reel and cable companies in New York, then Illinois, and onto his final home, Arkansas. He worked at General Cable as the plant manager for several years, but decided to start his own company, Reelcraft in Perla, Arkansas.

In 1985, Joe began (with his long time business partner and friend, Rita Hurst) what was to become his legacy, Superior Senior Care. He always worked hard on building a family business and served as CEO and President until his death. Under his leadership, Superior Senior Care was an Arkansas Small Business of the Year finalist in 2010. He was always quick to acknowledge how blessed he was to work with so many people at Superior Senior Care (locally & statewide), and considered them lifelong friends/extended family.

Joe always maintained a presence in the community. He was a Lion Club member, a Kiwanian, an Elk, a Hot Springs Leadership alumni, an avid golfer, an amazing tennis player, and served as President of the Board at Ouachita Children’s Center for a period of time. In his personal time, he loved to play the slot machines along with his wife, and they kept many riverboat casinos “afloat” with their generous play.

During his life, he had many different roles, but the role he coveted the most was the role he played with his family. He was always a leader and loved leading his family and watching them learn and grow. As a forward thinker, Joe always knew how to prioritize the important things, like picking dessert before dinner. With a smile on his face and a generous heart, he welcomed many to his table and happily shared his blessings...as long as it wasn’t his dessert!

Joe and Eleanor H. Pascual…lovingly called (Tootsie) shared over 64 years of love, family, faith, and friendship. Eleanor passed away Dec 28, 2019, and they are now finally reunited. Joe was also greeted at the pearly gate by his sons, Joe Jr. and Bill; by his daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Disney; as well as his mother and father.

Joe was loved by many and will be missed most by his daughter, MJ Sherer (Danny); grandson Daniel Disney (Katie) and their children Madelyn and Miller; his grandchildren; Michelle Disney, Jaime Pascual, Lacey Snyder (Travis) of Dallas Texas, Donald Disney, Angelee Pickle; his great grandchildren, Shelby Pascual and Mattox; his siblings Evelyn P. Racaniello of New York, and Jack Pascual (Terri); along with many nieces and nephews; and a host of other extended family members and friends.

A special thank you to the caregivers that have cared for Mr. Joe day in and day out. Our family is truly grateful for their compassion and care.

Honorary Pallbearers:

Everett Vincent, BJ Smith, Tracy Trawick, Travis Snyder, Larry Galasso, Rob Stonehocker.

Due to the limitations in place by the State Health Department, a drive through visitation will be held at Gross Funeral Home on Friday, May 8, 2020 from 11 am to 1pm.

In lieu of flowers - donations can be made to:

Bill & Joe Jr. Pascual Memorial Scholarship.

C\O John Drake

4131 J.F.K. Blvd.

North Little Rock, AR 72116

Graveside services will be attended by family at Crestview Cemetery on Friday, May 8, 2020 at 2pm.

Both services will be viewable live from the Gross Funeral Home Facebook page.

Online guestbook available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com