Joe Lofaro

It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts we regretfully announce Lawrence Joseph (Joe) Lofaro, 59, of Martin, TN, passed peacefully on March 11, 2023 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from complications of Erdheim-Chester Disease(ECD). The sun rose high in Queens, NY and the world welcomed Joe on September 27, 1963, a day the world became much brighter. Joe is 1 of less than 1,000, in the world, that have had to face the difficult battle with ECD, an extremely rare form of blood cancer, but he’s finally at rest and without pain. Although the sun has set in his physical life, his work will shine through others like a beacon atop a lighthouse and he will be forever loved and forever remembered.

Joe grew up in Nashville where he attended Father Ryan High School and was proud of his rank as an Eagle Scout. He lived in Brentwood where he enjoyed being a die-hard New York Mets and Notre Dame fan. While he wasn’t involved in some type of activity, he worked at his mother’s restaurant Victoria’s. If you knew him, you also knew he loved food and enjoyed eating. He couldn’t wait to visit his relatives up north to indulge himself in their home-cooked, genuine Italian food. He especially loved the lasagna and pepperoni rolls! Joe loved meeting new people, had a passion for sports, photography, writing, playing in the high school band, and so much more. He was profoundly loyal, would do anything for his friends, and loved his family fiercely.

After high school, Joe moved to Martin, where he attended The University of Tennessee at Martin and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications (1988) and was also a founding father of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, Martin chapter. While there, he met his wife, Susan, when she worked at The Weakley County Press, a place he often frequented between classes. After graduation, they married and settled down in Franklin, TN while he worked simultaneously for The Review Appeal and The Brentwood Journal. During this time they also adopted their first child. 

Ultimately, they decided to move back to their roots in Martin, where life was a little quieter and Joe could focus on his journalism career as Sports Editor before moving up to Managing Editor of The Weakley County Press. He would then go on to work in Public Relations and finally as the Sports Information Director at UT Martin, all while managing his home life and adopting two more children in the process. 

Joe was a highly accomplished man in his young age and earned his second Bachelor of University Studies Degree at UT Martin (2012). He loved to learn and teaching even more. As a winner of many national writing and photography competitions, journalism awards, and even becoming a published author, a Histiocytosis Ambassador and advocate for Relay for Life, his work never ceased or went unnoticed. Joe loved people and was the type of man who earned the respect of anyone that had the honor of meeting him. He was a leader, a husband, a father, a teacher, a warrior, and goal achiever. He was God-fearing, selfless, passionate, hard working, strong-willed, and ambitious. Joe made an impact on the lives of countless people and his work will continue in Heaven. Although our heads may be down right now because he’s no longer with us, Joe would tell us “keep your chin up and watch for me in the sky!”.

Joe is predeceased by his parents Larry and Vickey Lofaro; sister-in-law, Teresa Reaves; and father-in-law, Joe H. Reaves. Those who survive to cherish his memory are his wife, Susan Lofaro, of Martin, TN; three adopted children, Dan Lofaro (Mercy), of Jackson, TN, Leslie Lofaro, and Kourtney Lofaro, both of Martin; beloved Papa of two grandchildren, Silas and Melia; three brothers, Mike Lofaro (Shelley), Nick Lofaro (Brandi), and Gene Lofaro (Sarah), of Springfield, MO; mother-in-law, Betty Reaves; brothers-in-law, Joe D. Reaves (Shelia), and Tom Reaves; plus many nieces and nephews. 

SERVICE: A Memorial Service for Joe will be held 1:00pm March 17, 2023 at Central Baptist Church in Martin. The Family will be receiving friends and loved ones prior to the Service 11:00am until 1:00pm

Instead of flowers, if you’d prefer, the Family asks that donations be made, In Memory of Joe, directly to Erdheim-Chester Disease Global Alliance(ECDGA) at Erdheim-Chester.org to help fund research, bring awareness, and help other families financially. The Family requests that any memorials be directed to Central Baptist Church, 801 Harrison Rd., Martin, TN 38237 or cbcmartin.org.