In loving memory of Joseph Norman Marcella who passed away at home as per his wishes, surrounded by his family, on August 8th at 8:18 a.m. at the age of 84 years.
Born in Kirkland Lake on July 7th, 1940. Joe was a wonderful, generous, kind, loving and curious man. We are so very fortunate to have known him, and lucky to have learned from him. We are overcome by our love for him.
Having grown up in Terrace Bay along the north shore of Lake Superior, Joe had a great love of the water and the outdoors, and a special fondness and connection to Rossport. He shared this love with his family and friends which was culminated by the enjoyment of cruising on the Tug O’ the North for 30 years. Joe's fondness of the Lighthouses of Lake Superior evolved into joining a handful of others in forming Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior. He was instrumental in the decommissioning and salvage of several Lighthouses from Marathon to Thunder Bay. As a proud active member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for 30 years, Joe rescued numerous vessels and individuals in distress on the lake.
Joe was an accomplished civil and marine contractor, carpenter, artist, sign painter, sailor and all round handyman. He built the family home in Terrace Bay. Joe formed Cullmar Construction Co. and Aguasabon Trailer Park both of which he gave many years of his life to working hard to provide for his family. The Brag Wall in his office of degrees, diplomas and certificates of his three beloved daughters' achievements were proudly displayed as his greatest achievements.
To Joe's daughters he was a constant, larger than life figure who believed they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. As long as we had each other it didn’t matter what life brought our way. Life is meant to be lived to its fullest, and on your terms. His love for them was immense.
Joe and Jeanne loved to travel, and once retired they spent many months in Parksville, B.C., Costa Rica, Arizona and Florida over the years with close friends and family.
Joe is survived by his wife Jeanne of 59 years, children Tanice (Jay), Jill (Jason), Erin (Jr.). Grandchildren Amanda, Dusty, Jaden (Robyn), Jacob, Chloe, Justin (Suzanne), Alisia (Johnny), Edwin (Courtney), Fualaau (Maderick) and David (June). Great-grandchildren Adrian, Alayah, Mila, Matai, Alisia, Anastasia, Analia, Au, Maderick, Alani and Justin and numerous nieces and nephews. His brother Richard (Doreen) of Sarnia and sister Laurie (Don) of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his parents Joe and Alma Marcella and brother Paul.
We would like to extend a massive thank you to nurses at the TBRHSC Cancer Center. A very special thank you to Dr. Al Katari, Dr. Atwood, Dr. Bezanson, and Dr. Raman and the nurses at Paramed especially Andrew, Stephen and Carli. Please keep doing what you do. We need more of that love and care in the world.
Thank you to the many family and friends who supported Joe and his family along the cancer journey, with food, friendship and memorable visits. Joe appreciated every single one of them.
There will be an announcement for a celebration of life in the spring of 2025.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory to Joe to the CLLS (Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior) https://clls.ca would be greatly appreciated, or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
