Name: Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood
Address: Tampa, FL

To Barbara & Family:

Joe was one of the finest people I've ever met in my life.  He will truly be missed.

My Deepest Sympathy

You know how I feel about Joe and his courageous battle with cancer. I love you Both

Bob Yelverton

Joe is the reason I am in Tampa as he moved me here to work for him at MetLife back in 1998. While like everyone else I am heartbroken that he is gone, I do feel so blessed that I knew the man and will cherish the memories of all the great times we had together. Joe had the very keen ability to always be such a positive influence to everyone he touched. He was quite simply the nicest person I have ever met in my life. God Bless him.

I have so many fond memories of "Joey Cep" growing up on Yale Street in Williston Park...You were one of my favorite cousins throughout the years and I know now God is sitting next to you talking about all the good times you had with family here on earth.  I will miss you and will keep your family in my prayers.

It was and always will be a privilege to be able to call Joe Cepelak, Boss, Mentor, and Friend.  Joe's kindness, professionalism, and generous positive spirit filled a room the second he walked in.  When working for Joe there was a positive, happy energy, and camaraderie throughout our team, that remains twenty years later.  One of my first memories of working for Joe was when several other MetLife employees and leaders flew to Tampa for departmental meetings.  Throughout those meetings Joe made a point to acknowledge the contributions of every person on his team.  Joe treated everyone with the same courtesy and consideration.  He was a selfless, natural leader and mentor, and had the fortitude to take a stand on business matters of integrity.  While Joe was a consummate professional and gentleman to all, what I admired most about him was the pride and joy and love that emanated from him whenever he spoke of his family.  One of my favorite memories was when we were all at our desks working, and I heard an adorable little voice coming out of Joe's office.  Joe had Carly on speaker phone.  That always brought a smile.  

The world is a better place because of Joe Cepelak.  Heaven is now a better place.  I think that Jesus has a new BFF.

Mackenzie and I send our love to all of you. We have fond memories of talking with him at Carly's soccer games.

Our prayers are with you Barbara, Carly and Shaun. I just revisited Kerry's 
Crisper/ soccer album that featured the amazing recaps that 'Coach Joe' wrote for our girls as they played their hearts out for their team. Joe wrote as if he were each of the girl's father/ mentor- We are so privileged to know this wonderful man and his family as we sat ringside watching our girls play HCC soccer-- especially poignant as we shared Kelly's courageous battle.... best year's of our young girl's lives--- God Bless the Cepelak Family as they mourn yet celebrate this wonderful man... love you guys!

God bless your family Cep. You were always there to help me and I will never forget that help. Your respectful approach was a lesson for all. 

We in our small MetLife Leasing and CPS family have lost many dear friends in the recent past and it is truly sad. The manner of some of the losses has been particularly hard to understand because good people should get some reward and not have to have their families suffer and be in despair. 

I'll never forget. We had so much fun. Many they rest in peace forever.

God bless your family Cep.  You were always there to help me and I will never forget that help.  Your respectful approach was a lesson for all.  

We in our small MetLife Leasing and CPS family have lost many dear friends in the recent past and it is truly sad.  The manner of some of the losses has been particularly hard to understand because good people should get some reward and not have to have their families suffer and be in despair.  

I'll never forget. We had so much fun.   Many they rest in peace forever.

Barbara and Carly: we love you both and are so sorry for your loss. Joe was a great father and husband and one of the most caring and kind individuals we've ever come to know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Nancy Garcia (formerly from UCP)

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Joe was a special friend to 
many and loved by all.He will be missed.
I know Joe and Alan are watching a soccer game together at this moment! Both on the same team.
Rest in peace.Joe

There are none better than Cep.  He is remembered with love

It is not often that you can say that it is an honor to work with someone, but I had both the honor and pleasure of working with him over the past 7 years, and was able to get to know him over many lunches and dinners.  I can say that I have never met a better human being.  He had a positive outlook on everything, even when there was cause not to.  He will be missed.  Thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to his family.

One of the best I've even known has been taken from us all at too young an age.  For 40 years I've had the honor and privilege of calling Joe my Friend.  From sitting side by side at the beginning of our careers in 1976 to sharing all the wonderful milestones of our adult lives, Joe was there to enjoy it all with.  God must have needed him to raise the positive level in Heaven to an all time high and also to watch over us all.  If I follow your lead, I will see again in Heaven, my Dear Friend.  You are already missed, deeply.

May Joe rest in the arms of God! His life has been an example of how we are all supposed to be, loving, kind, gentle , and compassionate! He will be with us forever but from above! And he will continue to watch over his loving family, Barbara , Carly, and Shaun! ! May God bless you !

JOE AND I GO WAY BACK TO THE NY DAYS WHEN HIS DAD AND I WERE DIST. MGRS TOGETHER.PLAYED GOLD WITH LITTLE JOE WHEN HE WAS VERY YOUNG A GREAT KID TO BE SURE..REVISITED JOE WHEN I GOT TRANSFERRED TO TAMPA WITH MET LIFE AND RENEWED OUR FRIENDSHIP..A WONDERFUL SOUL A WONDERFUL PERSON TO KNOW HE'LL BE SORELY MISSED..RIP OL' FRIEND
MIKE CONIGLIARO

So sorry to hear this about Joe. It was such a wonderful caring man.
I worked in the 4100 Boyscout Blvd, when he was there. Can only say positive things about him. Always willing to listen to you. Such a kind man. I know he will be missed by so many.

May God wrap his loving arms around your family and friends and comfort them.

I know we tend to say things like the following at such sad times, but I can honestly say that Joe was among the finest human beings I ever knew. Talent, motivation and humility. That's' quite a combination. I will miss you my friend. Lot's of prayers to Barbara and the kids. He loved you all so much.

Joe was one of the first people I worked with when I started MetLife in 1983. He made me comfortable and was a big part of my very fulfilling career. I had the honor to work with him and be his friend for many years. He will very much be missed and cherished.

It's hard to understand why such a good person has been taken from us but then you realize heaven needs wonderful people too. Goodbye my friend.

Joe was an extraordinary man, truly a gem. I will always remember his zest for life, kindness, and compassion for others.  Joe touched so many lives with his warm, contagious smile and selfless generosity. He will be greatly missed.  My deepest condolences, you are in my prayers.

Joe & I worked together at Met Life in NY over 30 years ago.  A wonderful gentleman and family man.  God bless Joe and his family.

Joe and I worked together for many years. We also spent lots of time socially
In NY and Tampa. Words can't express what a kind, intelligent, caring, giving 
and positive person Joe was. 
It's very difficult to realize he has left us. 
We will again meet on the other side. Rest in peace, Joe.

Joe was one in a million and will be deeply missed.  He was the most positive person I knew and was an inspiration and mentor to so many in the office.  You will live on forever in the hearts of those that were blessed enough to have known you.  Mary Anne Boyd (Tampa, FL)

Joe was a special person and he dearly loved his family. He was sincere, caring, and always a pleasure to be around. Joe had the special ability to connect with people in a meanignful and lasting manner. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joe and his family.

Joe is a 20-year+ colleague and admired friend.  No doubt the most others-centered and self-less person I have ever met.  He leaves us with many lessons on how to be a man of character and with a tremendous legacy.  He is missed already.  Thank you Joe, and prayers of strength to the Barbara and the family.

Joe will be sorely missed.  He was the most positive person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  The office will never be the same.  RIP Joe.

I sat next to Joe at work and he always asked how I was doing, and when I asked him, his response was "fantastic!". I tried to explain to my grown son how that couldn't always be true, but he made you believe it, and no one likes to be around a grumpy person. He was a great mentor to the young people in our office and frequently brought us little treats when he went out to lunch. Of course, he will be missed, but certainly not forgotten.

May the loving memories comfort you all at this time.We appreciate his friendship and concern he always had for us. Joe will be missed.

OBITUARY

Joseph Louis Cepelak

November 23, 1954 – June 18, 2016

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

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