Joe Provonzie

Joseph Ivan Provonzie passed away June 10, 2015. Joe was born September, 30, 1933 in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Anna and Joseph G. Provonzie. He served in the United States Army in the 40th Armored Tank Battalion stationed in Germany and also served at the pentagon. After his military service, he was employed by a department of defense contractor during which time he met Sue Doss. On November 25, 1967 he married the love of his life, Sue Doss, in Albuquerque where they built a life together of devotion with no secret that Sue was and remained the light of his life. Joe obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Albuquerque in 1971, and later established a printing business which he owned for 42 years. In 1996, Michael Barrette joined the business and they enjoyed 20 plus years of success serving Albuquerque clients and the printing business remains in operation today under Mike's ownership. Joe was a philanthropist participating in fundraising with the Shriners. He served on school boards and supported community efforts. He was energetic, always joking or sharing a wisecrack and known to be kind hearted when it came to helping those in need. He loved excursions with his wife to dinner, the symphony, the apple orchard and gardening. Joe loved visiting family and spending the Christmas holiday in Texas every year. He enjoyed sharing peaches from his tress and fried turkeys with his close friends, Mike and Annette and Jack. He was also known to have a standing lunch with old friends weekly so that he and his buddies could share stories and sporting event highlights. Joe designed jewelry and was very knowledgeable about gems. He showered his wife and other family members with unique stone and gem creations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Joseph G. Provonzie; his wife, Sue Provonzie; and sisters, Josephine Schiernbeck, Marjorie Lowry and Angela Hanssen. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Doss of Pearland, TX and Jean Somoza of Paris, TX; one nephew, David Somoza of Paris, TX; four nieces, Jacquie Schiernbeck of Eldridge, Iowa, Julie Janes and husband, Mac, and daughter Caroline, of Paris, TX; Suzanne Sheffield and husband Sam, and sons, Bryan and Steven of Spring, TX; Shelly Doss and son David of League City TX, and Joel Long of Dickinson, TX. The family extends their gratitude to Joe's dear friends, Jack Gibson and family, Michael Barrette and Mike and Annette Sanchez for sharing the truest of friendship. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming in Albuquerque. Donations can be made in Joe's memory to the local Shriners organization at Ballut Abyad Shrine, 6600 Zuni SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400