Joseph Dean Wilson

Phoenix- A kind and gentle soul, “Big Joe”, born August 15, 1959, left the constraints of his prized wheelchair on March 9th. The number one Phoenix Suns fan since their inception, Joe was always the optimist whether they won or lost. Our brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend thrived for 52+ years at Gompers Center day programs. His teachers and staff made every day a wonder. Joe is a testament to his loving parents, Florence and Harry, who were salt-of-the-Earth flag bearers for the disabled in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Their efforts, as well as those of hundreds of other parents of wonderfully special children and young adults, paved the way for inclusion in our schools and political awareness about the disabled. Our mom and dad, well ahead of their passing, put into motion plans for the safekeeping of their special son. Brothers Wayne and Jim are so grateful to the Delgado family, especially Maria, AJ and Matt, for protecting, loving and caring for Joe daily for more than two decades. Whether in his home or in the car, the radio had to be on KEZ for the month of Christmas music which also included a lot of karaoke moments. A week at Lions Camp Tatiyee in Pinetop/Lakeside was a highlight of Joe’s year. Pam Swanson and her wonderful, enthusiastic volunteer counselors were the reason Joe returned for more than 40 years for the campfires, laughter, go karts, singing, talent shows and much, much more. Brothers Wayne (Judy) and Jim (Joey) including nieces and nephews Ty (Cindy), Brandon (Julie), Brian, Jennifer, Chris (Jerrae), Leigh (Zac), Jenni (Eric), and great nieces and nephews Timber, Grady, Riley, Grace, Ella, Statton, Jaxson, Giada, Lincoln, Brecken, Sicily, Madi and many cousins want to thank Joe’s top doc, William Holland, and the Department of Developmental Disabilities for their loyalty and help over the years. Joe loved all of us and as he would always say, “Be careful!”

A Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. with a Rosary prayer at 6:30 P.M. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Burial will follow the mass at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033, N. 48th Street, Phoenix. Instead of flowers, please donate to Gompers Center, 6601 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85017-1219, www.gompers.org, (602)336-0061 and to Lions Camp Tatiyee c/o Pam Swanson, 5283 W. White Mountain Blvd, Lakeside, AZ 85929, director@arizonalionscamp.org, (480)380-4254.