Joseph Michael Wendel Sr. was born in Long Beach, NY on April 10, 1949 and was called home by Our Lord on Dec 26, 2025 as a result of complications following a stroke. Joe graduated from Long Beach High School where he lettered in baseball, football and basketball. He went on to play basketball at Wilmington College (DE) and earned his Associate’s Degree from Nassau Community College (NY). Ever the seafaring man, Joe enjoyed surfing, boating and was a master scuba diver. He was a true outdoorsman who spent time golfing, metal detecting, hunting, fishing and camping with his family, and who was also a motorcycle and classic car enthusiast. Joe resided for many years in Brick, NJ, where he raised his family and enjoyed a successful career in sales. He eventually moved to Brandon, MS, where he spent his latter years with his wife, daughter and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Mitch, mother June and brother James. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Zenowia Wojcik Wendel, whom he called his Cleopatra, daughter Stacie Wendel Roberson, son Joe Jr. and wife Fran, grandchildren Anna, Ian, and Christian Roberson and wife Skye, and Joe’s great-grandson Teddy Joseph Roberson, named in his honor. Joe was a hero to his family and a friend to all; he never met a stranger. He will be dearly missed by many. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 30th at St. Paul Catholic Church, 5971 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, MS 39232, from 11:00am-12:00pm, immediately followed by a funeral Mass. The family cordially invites all who knew Joe to join with us in sharing their stories and love for him at a reception at 2pm honoring his life directly after Mass at the Gardens of Manship clubhouse, 124 Amethyst Drive, Brandon, MS 39047. In lieu of flowers, masses may be offered for the repose of his soul, or memorial gifts may be made to Webster Animal Shelter, 525 Post Oak Rd., Madison, MS 39110.