WILMINGTON — Joseph C. Pasquali, beloved broadcaster and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024, just three days shy of his 97th birthday. Surrounded by his family, Joe was ready to move on from this life.
Born on June 6, 1927, at Sidley Hospital in Washington, DC, Joe moved to Latrobe, PA, where he met the love of his life, Janie.
He joined the Army in 1945 during World War II, not long after his 18th birthday. Joe had a strong desire to defend his country and had watched impatiently as his older friends left for war. While he never saw active combat, he was proud to have served and his time in the Signal Corps set him on a course that led to his career as a Radio and Cable Broadcaster. He was honorably discharged in 1949. He went to college on the G.I. Bill, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and then began what would be a career that spanned over six decades in broadcasting.
He and Janie moved to Winchester, Virginia, where they raised their four daughters.
As the morning man at radio station, WINC in Winchester, Virginia, his voice became a familiar and comforting presence for the listeners over the years
Throughout his 60-year career, Joe was fortunate to become a steadfast part of his community and loved being in the limelight. Known for his distinctive voice and deep passion for sports, he spent countless hours covering local high school and college athletics, bringing the excitement of the games to listeners with his enthusiastic and knowledgeable commentary.
Joe was the host of “Coach’s Corner,” a weekly cable show where he interviewed local coaches and athletes, sharing their stories and insights with the community. His ability to connect with his guests and audience made the show a local favorite and further cemented his status as a respected broadcaster.
Beyond his radio career, Joe was an avid Civil War history buff. His passion for history led him on countless adventures, searching for Civil War relics in the area. He found great joy in uncovering pieces of the past and sharing the stories behind them. He loved his home located in Clearbrook and spent countless hours porch sitting, reading, and just relishing the view of the rolling hills covered in orchards. This was a place that brought him peace.
Joe is survived by his four daughters, Michelle Souders (John) of Winchester, Patricia Danylko of Winchester, Leslie Wanzer (Bobby) of Wilmington, NC, and Rebecca Grogan (Jeff) of Wilmington, NC. He was the grandfather of Joseph Marshall Utterback, Lee John Pasquali, Heidi Sara Richard, Rachel Wanzer Rose, and James Carlton Grogan (Jace) and two great-grand daughters, Sophia Claire Richard and Reagan O’Shea Rose. His legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched with his voice, his heart, and his love for history.
A celebration of Joe’s life was held in Wilmington, North Carolina where he lived for the last 12 years. He made many great friends while in Wilmington and continued to tell his stories and entertain those around him. His remains will be interred in the Veterans Columbarium of Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia.
Rest in peace, Joe. Your voice may be silent, but your legacy endures.
