Joseph J. Nigro Jr.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Joe’s early years were surrounded by extended family all living together in the “big house”. Grandpa Franchi’s Furniture business was a family affair and even little Joey learned to spit tacks and web chairs.

In the early ‘60’s Joe’s unknown musical talents emerged, after years of saxophone lessons, when he was part of a Doo-Wop group, The Emotions. Traveling and singing gigs and trying to make it, The Emotions did have a record on the charts called Echo. A Pick Hit by Murray the K, and was on the Billboard charts as well. In addition, Joe was suddenly called to fill in during a recording session for the Chiffons. When you hear the saxophone solo in One Fine Day, you are listening to Joe.

Joe graduated from Long Island University with a degree in Accounting, attending college at night while employed. His many early positions included rapid advancement with Chemical Bank and Sperry and Hutchinson (S&H Green Stamps).

An Accounting job with GAB Business Services led to a Marketing Manager position. He later was one of the initial executives in the formation and nationwide growth of the American International Adjustment Company, the adjustment services arm of American International Group (AIG). Recognized for his financial and business acumen, Joe became a Senior Financial Executive within AIG Corporate.

Shortly after leaving AIG, in 1986 he formed his own business services organization, Data Image Processing Corporation. Data Image was headquartered in Downtown Manhattan, until Joe’s retirement and provided employment for 125 plus people over the years. Retirement in 2013 led to his move from the New York Region to Calabash. Joe’s passion for watches is only surpassed by his love of cars. Only Joe could list the cars that have been titled to him over the years, you name it, he had it.

A Character Personality, bigger than life, he could fill and command any type of event with his presence, until the famous “Nigro Slide” when he would always leave early.

Joe Nigro, a man that was noticed, would cook like a pro and feed anyone and everyone he cared for, who lived a life full of adventure, challenge and shenanigans, would generously give to anyone in need along with providing wise advice and guidance to many.

Bigger than life, Joe Nigro displayed a life well lived, a job well done.

Survived by his wife Lauren Nigro, Children: Joseph J. Nigro Jr. and Darlene of VA, Gabriella Jacobs and Travis of FL, and Nicholas J. Nigro and Rhiana of NY; his grandchildren Joseph Nigro IV and Rusty, Alexandria Nigro, Elizabeth Nigro, John Jacobs, Nicholas Nigro, Luca Nigro and Vincent Nigro.

Inlaws: Mother In Law, Kathleen C. Ball, brother and sister in laws; Susan Pombo-Ball and Esteban, Donald Ball and Maureen, Douglas Ball and Michelle and Kathleen Carlyle, Randi S. Feigenbaum.

He also leaves behind 13 neices and nephews.

Previously deceased by Sisters Anne Passaro and Vincent, and Elizabeth (Tina) Nigro.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Friday, March 4, 2022 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Nigro family. Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.