Joseph Paul LoFrese, 57, of Raeford, NC, died December 23, 2025, in Aberdeen, NC. Joe was born September 5, 1968, in Huntington, NY, to Sebastian Joseph LoFrese and Geraldine (Quigley) LoFrese.
Joe is survived by his wife and first love, Karen (Kelly) LoFrese; his children, Jessica LoFrese (fiancé Matt Ingersoll), Jolene Allard (husband Taylor Allard), and Joseph LoFrese (fiancée Vada Oxendine); and his beloved grandchildren, Brody, Elin, Banks, Parker, Lennon, Gage, and McKynzi.
Joe is also survived by his brother and best friend, Casey, and his sister, Heather; his sisters-in-law, Patty and Tara; his brothers-in-law, Joseph, Bobby, Johnny, and John; as well as his niece, Ayoe, and nephew, Timothy. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, and his brother-in-law, Danny.
Joe drew no distinction between blood and blended family. He loved fiercely, welcomed fully, and made room for everyone in his life.
Joe grew up on Long Island, attending public schools and listening to classic rock music. But busy suburban New York was not his destiny. In 1994, he and Karen took their three young children to their adopted beloved state of North Carolina, where Joe enjoyed a simple country life for the past three decades. Joe’s ideal day would both start and end on his deck, with coffee in the morning and bourbon in the evening. In between, he would do yardwork, look after pets, smoke cigars, swim in the pool, and cook on the grill, all surrounded by loved ones.
Uniquely skilled with his hands, the first part of Joe’s career involved entrepreneurship in construction and carpentry. There was no project he was unable to take on, and nothing he could not fix. However, he was equally adept working in a corporate setting, so the second part of his work life saw him earn roles with increasingly larger responsibility and leadership. He was ambitious, using education, training and hard work to continually evolve and move forward.
Outside of work, Joe had many interests and passions, including cooking, fishing, hunting, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, playing guitar, and watching the Buffalo Bills. His lifetime quests were the pursuit of the excellent meal, prized catch, biggest buck, sharpest curve, perfect tone, and elusive Super Bowl title.
Yet beyond any accomplishment or hobby, it was the interactions with other people that defined Joe’s life. Gifted with an exceptional sense of humor, extraordinary generosity and genuine empathy, he had the capacity to engage and lift strangers, colleagues, friends and family members. Ultimately, it was his family that mattered more than anything to him, and he kept a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. Joe will be deeply missed and remembered for his joy, energy and love.
A visitation will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. A catholic memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, also at Boles Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
