Joseph "Joey" Gilgo

Joseph "Joey" Gilgo, 79, of Atlantic, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor Joey’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, June 3^rd at Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Steve Stephenson and Rev. Terry McInnis. Interment will follow at Over the Brook Cemetery in Atlantic. The family will receive friends the evening prior from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, June 2^nd at Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church.

Joey was born on September 26, 1944, in Morehead City, NC, to the late Lionel and Emma Gilgo. Growing up on the seashores of Atlantic, Joey seemed to be born with salt already running through his veins. Whether he was clamming, working as a commercial fisherman, or hanging out at his favorite spot, the Clam Shoal, being on the water was certainly where Joey was most content. Always one for the great outdoors, hunting season was another highlight of his hobbies, deer and duck hunting being his favorite. 

Deeply rooted in his hometown, Atlantic held a special place in his heart. He often said, “why do you crowd want to go on vacation, when you live in the most beautiful place in the world.” Joey was a faithful member of Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church where he was active in many roles, including serving as a deacon and gladly making any repairs needed. His unwavering faith in the Lord was the pillar of strength throughout his life.

Employed as a carpenter with Civil Service for a decade of his life, Joey’s strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his loved ones and his community were seen throughout his entire life. Joey’s family meant everything to him. With his wife of 60 years by his side, they built their life from the ground up, making sure their beloved boys had everything they needed. Joey had many fond memories of coaching his boys’ baseball teams, teaching them the ways of the water, and how to hunt.

Even though Joey loved his boys more than life itself, in 1995 the absolute apple of his eye arrived when Ryan and Tannie gave him Erin Brooke, his one and only grandchild. They shared a love and bond with each other that could never be broken. Even though Erin loves both of her grandparents to no end, she would always point to Papa and say, “he’s my favorite.” 

Life got even sweeter for Joey in 2018 when a baby girl by the name of Harper came into his life. You could find them in his big chair, watching cartoons or riding down to Dean’s Fish House to visit. The whole family jokes that when Harper arrived, Erin was no longer number 1, and we were all just fine with that.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 60 years, Patricia Gavetti Gilgo; sons, Ryan Gilgo and Gregory Gilgo, both of Atlantic; sisters, Sandra Scott of Sea Level and Rita Harris of Atlantic; brother, Lionel Gilgo and wife Pat of Beaufort; daughter-in-law, Tanya Gilgo of Cedar Island; and grandchildren, Erin Gilgo and boyfriend Joey of Morehead City and Harper Nichols of Sea Level.

In addition, his memory will also be cherished by his devoted nieces and nephews, Bubba Harris, Heidi Harris, and Kerry Harris; and Paul Nelson, who was like a brother to Joey.

Joey was preceded in death by his parents, Lionel and Emma Gilgo; 2 infant sons, Joseph Jr. and Douglas; and his siblings, Charles Gilgo and Bertha Hill.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joey to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.