Joseph Cajetan Tobin

Joseph Cajetan Tobin, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. He was surrounded by the love of his family, especially his “Little Miss”, Madison and “Best Buddy”, Joey. He was 65 years old.

Joe, Pappy, Poppy, Dad, Pizza Joe went by so many names because he meant so many things to so many of us. He is sadly missed by his loving wife, Darlene (Dubek) Tobin; his beloved son Joseph Tobin Jr; cherished grandchildren Madison and Joey III and daughter in-law, Karla Tobin. He will be forever remembered by his Brother, George Beisel (deceased), Sisters, Mary Tobin Graefe, (deceased), Maureen Tobin Schofield), and Theresa Tobin Devine, several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Joseph was born in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in the Kensington neighborhood. He attended Frankford High School in 1969, met the love of his life, and joined the United States Army in 1972. After completion of United States Army Basic Training, he was assigned to Weisbaden, Germany, completed his GED and was selected to be a communications linesman. In 1975, he returned to the United States, and separated from the United States Army, and began working in the garment industry. Joseph was an expert technician and quickly became the mill supervisor. After 10 years, the textile industry moved to overseas locations, and in 1988, Joseph became an independent contractor. He was a self-taught carpenter and could make just about anything with his own two hands, even hand-tossed pizza. He was everyone’s biggest fan and an incredible listener, making him the most popular guy in every neighborhood he lived in. He was an avid fisherman and would not hesitate to tell you. He especially enjoyed fishing for tuna, striper and flounder. The man could never eat a fish he caught but would go to a restaurant, order fish, and say it was the best thing he ever ate. No one could explain it, neither could he. The man never got seasick and yes, he would not hesitate to share that fact as well. In 2011, Joseph’s health started to decline so he and his wife, Darlene moved to be with their Son, who still serves in the Unites States Air Force. Joseph and Darlene were once again part of the “Military Family”, but more importantly they were able to be a complete family again. They got to participate in their son’s promotions, changes of command, military ceremonies and military moves to Destin Florida, Las Vegas Nevada, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Clifton Virginia. In 2010, Joseph got to fulfill his true calling. He became a grandfather to his “Little Miss” and again in 2012, he got his wish for a Grandson, his “Best Buddy”. With his failing health, he often stated that he just wanted to live long enough to see them take their first steps, to speak their first words, to ride a bike, to go to school, to play sports. Those were his personal milestones to help fight off his failing body. He got to see all of them. His grandchildren were never far from their Poppy. He always told his Little Miss how beautiful she was, and he especially loved to watch her swim, or perform private concerts and dance for him. They would take walks together, and play house. Often times, they would be holding hands and pushing a baby doll stroller down the street, or cuddling on the couch. Poppy also loved watching his Best Buddy play sports, especially baseball. He rarely missed a practice and never missed a game. Poppy and his Best Buddy would play baseball in the basement for hours and hours and it was impossible not to hear the balls hitting the ceiling and walls, but you mainly heard laughing and giggles.

Poppy was a loyal man and a fierce protector of his family. He always put them first and himself last. It would be impossible to count all the wonderful memories of Pappy, Poppy, Pops, Joe, and Pizza Joe. He touched so many lives, helped so many people and never asked for anything in return. It would be impossible to count all the laughs and giggles, all the “I love you’s”, all the bubble baths, bedtime stories and goodnights. All the, praises of “you are so beautiful”, and the “you are the best”. It would be impossible to count all the hugs and kisses, or to measure how much he loved his wife, grandchildren and son and in turn, it will be impossible to know how much love he was given in return by all of them. All of us are blessed to have Joseph, Dad, Pappy, Poppy, Pizza Joe in our lives, but none more than his grandkids. Poppy will always be their hero and they will have a lifetime of memories to fill their hearts. What a beautiful gift he gave us all and what an incredible legacy to leave behind.