Family’s comfort at support for ‘Uncle Joe’
THE family of a muchloved community figure have described the support they have received following his death as “overwhelming”.
Giuseppe Teoli, known as Joe, from Haslingden, passed away in Royal Blackburn Hospital on September 29 after a very short pneumonia-related illness.
Over the past week the former bus inspector’s family, including his beloved wife Lorenzina and daughters Maria, Emma and Elida, have been inundated with messages of affection and condolence.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Maria said: “We realise how much our dad made an impact everywhere he went. He leaves a huge hole behind. The support of Haslingden and loving kind words has been overwhelming and given us a lot of comfort at this very, very sad time.”
Born in 1943 in Roccad’Evandro in the southern Italian province of Caserta, Joe grew up as one of nine children. Work was very limited in Italy so aged 18, he took the train and came to Rawtenstall to stay with his sister, and found work for two years in a cotton factory.
A career with Rossendale Transport began as a bus conductor, and he would later become a driver, and then chief inspector. He had to retire from the buses in 1987 due to ill health. Joe was such a hard worker that he was able to buy his own house and send money back to his family in Italy. His parents Andrea and
Rino Teoli - along with his younger siblings - came to live with him in 1965, and Joe looked after them all. He was the father figure and enrolled his siblings in school and into UK life.
Joe’s daughters said he always did everything for everyone.
Maria said: “Our dad was our leader, our rock, our world. He was a good listener, gave words of wisdom and support and guidance, and has made us the girls we are today. Our dad called us Sposa (meaning bride), a word we will never forget.”
Joe met the love of his life, Lorenzina on holiday in Italy in 1966 and they continued to write to each other until they were reunited again a year later. They married in Italy on September 14, 1968 and began their married life in Rawtenstall, before moving to Haslingden in the 70s. Joe loved his wife unconditionally and would treat her like a princess.
He enjoyed the life at Greenfield Bowling Club as club secretary and had lots of happy memories, as well as playing snooker at the Sunnybank club. He loved making homemade wine - called the Teoli Tipple - and playing his accordion at regular events. Joe loved his family sitting round the table talking and always said if he didn’t have his family he had nothing. The family home was always in high demand, and full of fun, love and good food.
Joe’s mother and father lived with him and Lorenzina in their old age, and lived a happy 11 years, together with his daughters.
Maria said the sisters would remember his large personality, his jokes, stories and his big smile and his hugs.
“He respected everyone and they respected him,” she said. “The Asian community young and old called him Uncle Joe as a mark of respect and he looked out for everyone. Whoever met him loved him. Grandchildren loved their Nonno (Grandad) and he loved them all. His granddaughters Francesca and Natasha he brought up as his own. He taught us all to drive and was very proud of that.”
She also described how her father would “light up a room”.
“He treated everyone with respect, and demonstrated empathy and love,” she said. “Age, race, religion and wealth did not matter. He would do anything for anyone and everyone. He always gave the best advice and made you see life in a positive manner.
“He had a heart full of love and fun and being in his company was infectious.”
On behalf of the Teoli family, Joe’s daughter Elida added: “Giuseppe; a husband, dad, nonno was the centre of our world, always saw the positive side of life, and his love for his family will live within us all. He lit up a room with his charisma and happy smile. We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming tributes that we have received from the Rossendale Valley and beyond. A true gentlemen that leaves behind a legacy. We feel blessed that he was ours.”
Giuseppe Teoli also leaves grandchildren Francesca, Natasha, Ricco, Sofia, Mayan and Ayden, great-grandchildren Ariana, Alessio, Bella and Gabriella. He had sons-inlaw Justin who he loved as a son and called him My Boy, and also the late Matthew, and leaves partners of family members - Allan, Max, Junior and Paul.
His funeral will take place on Wednesday, October 14 at 10am at St Mary’s, Haslingden. Then burial at Grane Road, Haslingden. Flowers only.
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