Joseph Samuel Girone

Just five months before, Joseph lost the love of his life, Shirley Elaine Girone. The couple’s love story started at Loveland High School when they were just 15 years old, and like any good romance the two decided their souls belonged together forever.

Joseph was a devoted husband to Elaine, was Super Dad to their only child Joelle, the most loving and supportive Pop-Pop to his beloved granddaughter Daylin, and a second Father to his son-in-law Edward.

Joseph was a 1967 Graduate of Loveland High School. He graduated from Albany State University in 1983.

He was a proud member of the US Army from 1969-1972 stationed in El Paso, Texas then in Germany where he built radars for high tech aircraft.

One of his daughter’s favorite memories was watching him tear apart a radio in the garage and build it back to working condition from scratch. Joe was a member of the original Kroger manufacturing group that became extended family. A life long Kroger leader, he worked his way up from Accountant, to Regional Plant Manager, to Corporate VP.

When you think of Joe, chances are you think of golf and guitars. He was an accomplished golfer winning many tournaments and securing several holes in one. But his true love outside of family was music and his guitar. A self taught musician he first found success with Joey and the Legends in high school, securing a recording contract. Most recently he found joy with his bandmates and friends from Mount Dora, Florida. His daughter will always think of him and smile when she sees a Fender Guitar or hears The Beach Boys.

Joseph is survived by his Daughter Joelle Drayton, Son in Law Edward Drayton, Granddaughter Daylin Drayton, Brothers Nicholas J. Girone and Felix A. Girone.

He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years Elaine Girone, His Father Rocco Girone, Mother Lucille Ieropoli Girone, and Sister Irene Girone Avena.

In lieu of Flowers, The family asks that you make a donation to the Kettering High School Music Department in his name to spread his love of music.