Joseph Michael Ganino passed away in Soda Springs, Idaho on March 20, 2019 from cardiac arrest. He was born in Stamford, Connecticut on February 7, 1958 to Edna Jean Millius Ganino and Rosario Aloysius Ganino. He was the fifth of seven children. At a young age, the family moved out west to Utah. He attended schools in Emery County, Utah, and Moab, Utah but always considered Moab home.
Joey was far from being materialistic; but rather a free spirit, a wanderer at heart. His smile as well as his laugh was infectious and he had a sense of humor that would keep you laughing until your stomach hurt. He was a certified pipefitter/welder by trade and though he worked many types of jobs his passion was industrial construction which took him throughout most of the Western United States.
Joey had many passions; playing his juice harp, listening and singing music at the top of his lungs, while playing the air guitar and the dash piano. He was an adamant rock hound and collector of old bottles and eagle statues. He loved family get togethers and never turned down a good BBQ.
Joey married Riata (Blondie) Holyoak in Pensacola, Florida on May 13, 1977. Together they have 2 children, Joey (Maria) Ganino II, and Jennifer (Ryan) Rudd. After 29 years of marriage they divorced but remained close friends. The last years of his life were spent in Soda Springs, Idaho where he purchased a home and lived with his girlfriend, Queeny.
He is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather (Darwin Jensen), brothers (Bruno and Tony), and nephew (Brandon Curtis). He is survived by his son, Joey (Moab), daughter, Jennifer Rudd (Grand Jct., Colorado), grandchildren (Jacky Ray Ganino, Justin Ganino, Jordynn Silva, Keith Stoughton, Kiara Stoughton, Natalee Ganino, and Ryland Rudd), his brothers, Rusty (Rocksprings, Wyo.) Danny (Moab), sisters, Maria (Moab) and Susan (Ervin) Feichko, (Huntington), and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held May 19th, 2:00 p.m. at 1183 Lance Avenue, Moab, Utah. Joey’s memory and legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren whom he fiercely loved with all his soul. He is leaving behind many broken hearts; is dearly loved and will be remembered and cherished forever.