Joel Anton Pipitone, 87, of Beloit, Wisconsin passed away on February 13, 2014, after a brief illness. He was born October, 5, 1926 in Beloit, WI, the son of Thomas and Leonora (Curatolo) Pipitone. He married the love of his life, Cecilia Libera, on Sept 3, 1949, in East St. Louis, IL. He spent all of his life in Beloit except when serving as a radioman in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Neshoba, APA 216, during World War II and during his years in college.

Joel attended four schools that were eventually closed; Waterman Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, the old Beloit High School, and Milton College. He received his B.A. at Milton College, Milton, WI, and his Master of Arts degree at Rockford College.

Joel taught one year at Riverview Elementary in South Beloit and thirty-seven years in the Public Schools of Beloit (Roosevelt and Aldrich Junior High), retiring in 1988. He coached baseball, track, and football at Roosevelt Jr. High. He felt very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful students. He treasured his family; his wife and six children, and his many friends. He wishes to thank his family and the many friends he had made over the years who enriched his life.

Joel enjoyed music, both singing in the choir at Our Lady of the Assumption and in the Beloit Public School Follies, and playing his accordion and digital piano at home. He also enjoyed working on home improvements both at home and at the family cottage by Spooner, WI. He enjoyed fishing at the cottage and in Ontario, Canada, playing golf, bowling, and playing cards with family and friends.

He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Beloit where he was awarded Outstanding Kiwanian twice, and was bestowed the highest Kiwanian honor, the Hixson Award. He delivered Meals on Wheels; participated in RSVP school programs; and volunteered for Visit Beloit. Joel was a charter member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. He was the first Cub Master for Pack 340 at OLA, served on the church council, was past president of the Holy Name Society, and participated in the many fund raising events for Our Lady of the Assumption Church.

He was predeceased by his parents, one brother, Gerald, many loving aunts and uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Cecilia (Cele); two daughters, Kathleen (John) Martin of Waukesha, WI and Mary Lynn “Mimi” (Lyle) Rasmussen of Rockton, IL; four sons, David (Cheryl) Pipitone of Streamwood, IL, Gary (Sue) Pipitone of South Beloit, IL, Paul (Mary) Pipitone of Milton, WI, and Jeffrey Pipitone of Union, WI; sister, Jacqueline Parochka of Gurnee, IL; sister-in-law, Virginia (Wayne) Baker of Maryville, IL; nieces, Stephanie (Tim) Luker and Natalee Parochka; ten grandchildren; Jennifer Martin, Lisa Pipitone, Lynda Kavanda, Thomas Pipitone, Allie Pipitone, Tony Pipitone, Kelly Rasmussen, Katlin Rasmus