Joseph "Joe" Evangelista, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, entered eternal life at his beloved Farmington Hills home surrounded by the love and comfort of family, on the evening of Thursday, July 3, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Joe was born on February 6, 1938, at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, the son of the late Angelo and Gilda (Turchetti) Evangelista. He grew up in a loving, tight-knit family and graduated from Hazel Park High School in 1956. Joe went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Lawrence Technological University, setting the stage for a successful future.

In 1960, Joe married the love of his life, Anita (Tassi), on July 30 at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Detroit. Their beautiful marriage was a testament to enduring love and commitment until Anita's passing on October 24, 2011.

After college, Joe joined the family business, Tony Angelo Cement Construction Company, working alongside his father (until his passing) and brothers, Michael and Carl. He poured his heart into the business, not only paving roads and highways throughout the entire state of Michigan, but also leaving a legacy of integrity and excellence.

Joe was a man who deeply valued family. He delighted in hosting dinners, sharing stories, and discovering new restaurants with his loved ones. A connoisseur of greater Detroit's culinary scene, Joe prided himself on knowing every good spot in town—and how to get there without ever needing a map or GPS. He could recount vivid tales of Detroit's past, and memories of the old Train Station, and often quoted his father, who he said, "taught him how to live and how to die."

He had a soft spot for nature, animals, and flowers, and a well-known fondness for black Cadillacs—driving dozens over the years with pride and style. Joe's signature drink was a simple but classic "VO neat," and he brought that same timeless elegance to every aspect of life.

His greatest joys were simple but profound: "lunch and learn" sessions with his grandchildren, ice cream dates with his great-grandchildren, and the laughter of a home filled with family. He loved being the host, the storyteller, the one who made people smile. Joe truly embodied the role of patriarch—a first-class gentleman whose devotion to family stood as an example to all who knew him.  He knew the struggles and triumphs of each and every one of his loved ones and tried to guide and support them in any way he could.

He was immensely proud of his Italian heritage and the connections he maintained with relatives overseas. Joe traveled to Italy many times, always honored to be seated at the head of the table during family dinners there. At home he found joy and pride in the house he built and cherished, happy to give tours and sharing memories from the 54 years he spent there.

Joe was a man of class, heart, and tradition—qualities that feel rare in today's world. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the family he so deeply loved.  He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

In addition to grieving the loss of his parents and beloved Anita, Joe had to experience the heartbreaking loss of his two amazing sons, Angelo in 2013, and Mark in 2022.  May they now rest together in the eternal peace of heaven.

Surviving are his two devoted daughters, Catherine (Leigh) Haugen and Linda Evangelista; his daughter-in-law, Diane (the late Mark) Evangelista; grandchildren, Laura (Anthony) Hovorka, Joseph Evangelista, Vincent (Brooklyn) Evangelista, Kristen (Nicholas) Hammer, Daniel (Emily) Haugen, Maria (fiancé Jimmie Kaltz) Haugen, Michael Haugen, and Julia and Anthony Paholak; great-grandchildren, Ashton, Charlie and Theodore Hovorka, and Joseph, Andrew, Owen and Benjamin Hammer, as well as a baby girl due to Vince and Brooklyn in December; siblings, Michael (Joanne) and Carl (Linda) Evangelista, and Angela (Bob) Nobbs; his devoted companion, Judith Berry-Leitman; and an abundance of friends.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Saturday, July 19, from 3-8 pm, and Sunday, July 20, from 2-7 pm.  A time of prayer and remembrances is planned for Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm.

Joe's funeral mass will be celebrated Monday morning, July 21, at 11:00 am (in state 10:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington ( click HERE for mass live stream ).

A traditional motorcade will travel by Joe's Farmington Hills home en route to North Farmington Cemetery for interment.

Following cemetery services, the Evangelista family invites all present to further honor Joe's life by attending a luncheon at the Italian American Club of Livonia, 39200 Five Mile Road in Livonia.

Kindly keep Joe and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.