Joseph "Joe" J.

Verone

In Loving Memory of Joseph "Joe" J. Verone February 11, 1948 – December 3, 2025 Joseph J. Verone was born in Tacoma, Washington, to Peter and Beatrice Verone. A Tacoma boy through and through, he graduated from Stadium High School and went on to earn his associate's degree from Tacoma Community College.

 Joe answered the call of duty, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972, including a year in Vietnam January 1969 to January 1970 where he earned two Navy Commendation Medals for heroic action under fire and met his best friend, Jerry Valentine. On December 26, 1971, he married Janice McCleery, and together they made their home in Tacoma for 54 years. Family was always the center of his world, and he loved them fiercely.

 For 51 years, Joe owned and operated Verone's Sausage Co., a family business begun in 1923 and carried through five generations, including his grandfather James, father Pete, daughter Renee and grandson Dagan. Along the way, so many of our family and friends have worked in “the shop” on Wednesday nights for a period of time. He was always grateful for the help. He ran it with the same responsibility and quiet pride he brought to everything, until its closing in April 2022. He also gave 28 years to the Pierce County Clerk's office, retiring in 2013. He was a provider in every sense, and he never asked for credit.

 Joe was humble and kind, with a great sense of humor that could light up any room. He loved to feed people, and no one left his table hungry. He cheered on his Seahawks, followed his favorite baseball teams, and was a proud member of the Sons of Italy and the Christopher Columbus Lodge. He was loved and respected in every community that he was a part of. 

Joe loved the water and especially the Puget Sound. His love of boating began as a child; water skiing and boating with his parents and siblings. As an adult, He restored several boats, treasured his Fairliner flybridge, and was a longtime member of the Tacoma Yacht Club. At his lake property in Shelton, he spent summers filled with relaxing days fishing and sitting by the firepit with friends and family.

 A faithful husband, a devoted family man, a veteran, and a friend to many, Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and good food shared around the table. He will be dearly missed and his quiet strength never forgotten. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Janice Verone; his son, Brian Verone; his daughter, Renee Verone; his grandchildren, Kayla Aagaard, Dagan Verone, Julian Verone, and Santino Flores; his great-grandchildren, Ryan Aagaard, Luca Aagaard, Skye Aagaard; his siblings, Robert Verone (recently passed on September 12 2026), Fran Keuch and Ronald Verone; his many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and many wonderful friends. Joe was preceded in death by his grandson Tyler Verone.