Condolences to the friends and family of Joe.

Long ago as a kid, I visited the Markey cousins in Cedar Rapids, IA. My family visited on rare occasions as we lived in CA. Joe was the same age as my older sister, Joanne. I remember all the Markey cousins being extremely fast runners, and I would be “left in the dust” every time they took off for the park. Other memories include juggling fake fruit, watching Dark Shadows, and a very exciting plumbing tool the cousins loved to use all over the house. Over the years, the Markey and Shearer relatives got out of touch. It was wonderful to make contact with Joe as an adult a few years ago. I enjoyed talking to him on the phone a few times, mailed an Introductory letter about myself after all these years, and Xmas Newsletters each year. Joe was very friendly and easy to talk with, and I looked forward to remaining in contact with him for the rest of our lives. I am sad our adult re-acquaintance was so short. Joe had a wonderful personality and will be missed by all. Joe will always be remembered by his CA cousins.

Was looking up old friends on the internet and discovered that Joe has passed on.

We were friends for a number of years in the 90's (pre internet and cell phones) before I moved out of state in '99 to follow my career and were roommates for awhile (during the summer of Stonewall 25, wow 25 years ago now). We had a blast together. Hosted a number of after bar parties at our apartment that were fairly notorious that summer. Quite remarkable how well that building was constructed because not a single neighbor EVER complained about them. Even went down the neighbor below us to offer a bottle of wine as an apology for a rather noisy one to be told that they didn't hear a thing.

It was the best of times and we ran with a remarkable crew that summer. Cuddles, Scott, Terry, Tracy and other numerous hangers on. People were drawn to us. I still look back on it fondly.

It's nice to hear that he ended up with Norm. If i recall correctly they may have met around that time. That last name rings a bell anyway. We certainly made our way through guys in that era. The ones I remember he dated were Dan Blakely, who I met Joe through and was with the night they met. Sometimes I regret being the catalyst of that relationship and all that followed as I drove them back to CR that night. Bruce Herbert son of Frank Herbert who was just kind of an odd duck, my next roommate tall Tony LOL. Joe never did have a "type" unlike me. And then of course, his "wife", who's name I forget, back when he was still "straight".

I'm sorry to hear you've passed on Joe. Always hoped we'd reconnect some day and catch up with each other and see where our roads had led us and reminisce about the old days over a bowl and drinks. Would have been a blast to be a couple of old bitties cackling about it all. Guess it's gonna have to wait until I meet you up there bud! Love you! Miss you!

My deepest condolences to Liz and Mike, and to Norm. Joe’s light will be missed greatly. Much love to you all.

To Joe’s loved ones, I am so sorry for your loss. The pain associated with losing a loved one can be heart wrenching. But rest assured you’re not alone during this difficult time. Psalms 34:18. May your hearts be soothed each time you remember Joe.

I am so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Joe was an employee of our fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta for several years as our House cook. Joe has a great personality, smile, big heart and great laugh! My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family and friends.

I was so sorry to read of Joe's passing. Our families grew up together and he was my classmate through school. Always had a friendly smile on his face.

My thoughts to the Markey family

I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I knew of him as Joey when we were kids. Mike & Liz (Sissy), you probably don’t remember me much but your family and mine were very close. Your dad and mom were favorites of mine as a child. You know how you can tell when adults just really love kids? That’s how your parents were. They took a genuine interest in us. Your mom taught me how to play acoustic guitar when I was about 12. I remember NJ coming over to play chess with my dad & I seriously just loved him. They were very special people, & I’m sure their children are as well. I want to share condolences for the whole Kinney family. Peace & love to you. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear brother. Susie Kinney

Norm: I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and the rest of Joe's family. I miss visiting with you and your puppy in the alley and hope to see you in the spring. Cindy

Very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I have been thinking of great times on 21st Street and Blake Blvd as kids, and Joe's great sense of humor and infectious, unrestrained laugh. Five kids and several adults packed into a station wagon headed home from Howard Johnsons, discovering Joe was sitting on the birthday cake...; hot dogs served as Halloween treats...; the story of Jean backing up and taking the door off the Buick on the tree in the middle of the driveway on Blake.... I thought particularly of those times on my evening walk on Blake tonight. I was and will always be proud to have been embraced warmly by the Markey clan.

My best thoughts are with Mike and Liz tonight.

It is my hope and vision that Joe now is somewhere riding with NJ and Jean in the "three door Buick".

Mike, karen, liz, & family,

I'm so sorry to hear about joe. What a wonderful person. I have so many memories, that when i would run into him, we would take several moments & remember them, ended up with alot of laughing. He will be greatly missed.

Mike, Karyn & girls, Liz & Judy, Norm - Joe was one of the kindest people I've known. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Joyce (Taylor) Welp

To Liz M: I saw the obit for your brother in the paper and recalled how much you loved him. Wishing you well in you and your family's healing!

Very sad to hear of Joe's passing. I will always remember the great days and nights at Maxwell's ! Liz & Mike our sincere condolences.

Kevin & Melissa Torner

I have great memories of working with Joe at Givanni's in the 1990s. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. My sincere condolences to his family.

Mike and family,

I am very sorry for the loss of your brother. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tammie Binderup

For the love of Joseph William Markey III Swinging with the clubs and hitting with spades, humor becomes black and deep. The game is replete, time for fun and sport bedone. The dead are free, the view the same for all. Final judgement is eternal. My suit became me. Now it will fit forever to the tee. Thanks for sharing this time in this world. Elizabeth Markey and Judy Pugh