Joseph Wanek died peacefully on the evening of March 3, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born in New Orleans, LA on April 19, 1942 to the late Evelyn Sack and Harry Wanek. The family relocated to the North Hill area of Pensacola 2 years later and he was residing in the family home at the time of his death. Many of his childhood neighbors remained lifelong friends.

Joe attended St Michael grade school, Pensacola Catholic High, and the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!) where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Several of his fraternity brothers also remained lifelong friends. After college and his service in the US Army, he returned to Pensacola to begin his 36 year career at N. Goldring Corporation where he ascended from salesman to President. After retirement the "forever salesman" embarked on a new career in real estate which he thoroughly enjoyed, and which afforded him the luxury of a more flexible schedule to meet his golf buddies at the Pensacola Country Club for over 50 years. In recent years he especially enjoyed a round with his grandsons.

Of all the different roles in Joe's life as son, brother, husband, father, friend, the one that he probably treasured the most was "Papa Joe" to his grandchildren and all their friends. In recent years the times with the kiddos were some of his favorites, in addition to the time with his cherished pups, Mattie, Toby and Kasey. He will be very much missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Wanek Lorio and brother, William Wanek.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tootie Ruggerio Wanek; sons, Joseph, Jr (Jody) and his wife, Laura, Christopher (Chris) and his wife, Mindy; daughter, Jennifer Wanek Lyons and her husband. Tommy. Papa Joe's beloved grandchildren include Sarah and Matthew Wanek, Justin and Connor Lyons, and Carter and Mallory Wanek. He is also survived by his sister, Sally Wanek Beste; brothers, James and John Wanek, sisters-in-law Judy Ruggerio Pace, Tina Ruggerio Ramsey (Cliff), brother-in-law Paul Ruggerio, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel with Father Joseph Fowler and Father Patrick Foley as celebrants followed by a Celebration of Joe's Life at Culinary Productions. Father Joseph Callipare will conduct a family graveside service at a later date.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Basilica of St Michael the Archangel, 19 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola Catholic High, 3043 W. Scott St. Pensacola, FL 32505 or a charity of one's choice.

The family wishes to thank Dr James Watkins and his entire team at Ascension Sacred Heart Oncology for their very caring assistance, Dr Frank Greskovich, Dr John Sullivan and the Emerald Coast Hospice team, and Vitas Hospice at Sacred Heart. Joe was blessed to have such excellent care throughout this journey.