Joel M. Johnson-Friendly (Tuc), 60
DOVER, DE - Joel M. Johnson-Friendly (Tuc) passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Kent General Hospital. He was born on August 12, 1962, in Youngstown, Ohio the son of Etta Mae Friendly.
Joel graduated East High School in 1980 and was selected as the graduating class Prom King. He was also an outstanding athlete and excelled in football and basketball. In 1979, he was a Youngstown All-City Football selection earning him an induction into the East High School Football Hall of Fame in 2007. He celebrated his 18th birthday on a bus headed to boot camp for the Air Force. After his military service, Joel worked for the State of Delaware, Department of Correction and retired after 25 years.
Joel was a brilliant vocalist and performer serving as the lead vocalist with The Soul Affair, McKenzie Burns Project, Celebration Orchestra, and several other notable musical ensembles. His vocal range was unparalleled with influences from his all-time favorite musicians. Aside from all of his accomplishments and talent Joel was an avid, yet frustrated, Cleveland Browns fan and car enthusiast.
Joel's most important roles in life was husband, father, and mentor. Joel treasured his relationships, which is reflected in the expression of love, respect, bonds, and indelible mark he left with so many people. Joel's warm, charismatic, authentic, humorous, and larger than life personality is irreplaceable.
Joel is survived by his wife, Kathleen Johnson-Friendly; daughters, Johanna Johnson and Mariah Johnson; son, Tim Campellone; and grandchildren, Siana Johnson-Clay, Jaxx Campellone, Aubrey Campellone, and Grayson Sammons; his brothers, Danny Friendly, Dr. Ken Friendly (Dr. Deborah Friendly), Charles Gilford; sisters, Imogene Roland, and Geraldine Ward.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Etta Mae Friendly; father, Sam Gilford; brothers, James Friendly, Ollie Gilford; sisters, Loretta Friendly and Silvia Henderson.
A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, 518 S. Bay Rd., Dover, DE 19901. Livestream is available at www.ewsmithfs.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to kidney foundation, cancer research, diabetes research, or animal protection charity organization of your choice.
Evan W. Smith Funeral Services
www.ewsmithfs.com