Joseph Van Wart

Joseph Van Wart, 67, of Bay Shore, passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 7th 2024 after a short battle with Colon cancer. Known to his friends and family as "Hippy/Hippie Joe", he passed at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix, where he received excellent care in his final days, with his wife Shelly diligently by his side.

Born March 26th, 1957 in Freeport, New York to Richard and Helen Van Wart. He grew up in several towns in New Jersey & New York, but considered Spring Lake, New Jersey to be his home. He lived predominantly in New Jersey, then Florida, and for the last 29 years of his life in Northern Michigan.

After relocating from Florida to Michigan in the early 1990s, Joe worked for many years in the building trades, becoming well known for his skills in drywall and painting. In his earlier years he attended Johnson & Wales culinary school and worked in kitchens all across the northeast and throughout Florida. He spent his later years working in landscaping and subcontracting on occasional drywall/painting jobs.

No matter what the job, Joe was a perfectionist and a leader, with effort never being questioned. He became well known in the Bay Harbor and Charlevoix especially for his care and attention to detail. Away from work Joe enjoyed golf, films, tv, listening to music, taking long drives, history and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Helen, sister Eileen, brother Ronald, niece Lauren and his eldest son, Joseph Justin Van Wart. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shelly Van Wart of Charlevoix, son Andrew of Charlevoix, step daughter Alexis Burrie of Port St Lucie, Florida; daughter in law Megan Van Wart of Dover, Florida; grandchildren Kieran, Sadie & Jackson all of Florida, as well as brother in law/sister in law James & Janielle Sisserson of Melbourne, Florida.

He will be missed by all who knew him, and a service is being planned for spring 2025 when his grandchildren are able to attend. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com