Joseph Anthony Gerimonte, (38) cherished Newport, WA community member, passed away unexpectedly on February 10, 2020 of a heart-related incident.  Joe was born July 24, 1981 at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane to parents Marian Michele Cassano and David Albert Gerimonte.  A Newport resident since birth, Joe became affectionately known as "Big Joe," to those who came to know and love him.

Always the first to volunteer to help friends and family, Joe was truly the definition of a man with a larger than life appearance and a heart to match.  Joe fought his health concerns quietly and got on with his life, building a reputation of selflessness and respect.  And to those willing to take the time to know him, they found he was a kind soul with an eye for mischief, and a true friend.

Joe was a devoted fan of the Seattle Seahawks and was a collector of sports memorabilia and antiques.   He loved to scour the woods for knotted wood and became an artisan of fine wood crafts.

But friends and family came first for Joe.  "He was a mountain of a man with a mountain of friends", said his mom.  And most any day Joe could be found playing cards and belting out boisterous laughter with friends and family who stopped by.

Joe is survived by his mom at the family home, Michele Cassano; his Uncle Mike (Kathy) Cassano, Omak; brothers Craig (Karen) Gerimonte, Old Town, ID; Mark Gerimonte, Spokane, WA; sister Nicole Dean of Arkansas; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  His life was enriched with adopted brothers and sisters: Hawk and Tonya Pagaling; Amanda, Trista, and Jimmy Ward; and the Carraras; and many, many special friends.

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, at the Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport.  A reception in remembrance of Joe will follow in the Sherman-Campbell banquet hall following the service.  If you would like to contribute, please bring a potluck dish to the reception or donate to the GoFundMe (Help Big Joe's Family) account that has been set up in Joe's memory.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral and Cremation Services in Newport is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com.