Nature’s first green is gold.

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsites to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

-Robert Frost.

Joseph Gene Federico, October 8, 1935-December 9, 2023. Joe grew up in Wickliffe, Ohio. His upbringing was typical of the times. Joe joined the Navy and served on the USS Kearsarge during the Korean conflict and continued his military career with the National Guard.

After returning from the Korean Conflict, Joe met the love of his life, his soulmate, Elaine Vonhof. Together they embarked on a 67 year journey full of love and laughter, a relationship no one can replicate no matter how hard they tried. During this time losses were had including parents Rose and Frank Federico and John and Betty Vonhof. Joe lost his sister Maryanne Washington and two children, Janet and Richard Federico. There were also the joyous occasions of the births of the seven children, including the surviving children: James (Sheila) Federico, Thomas (Theresa Markuz) Federico, Teresa (Jeff), McLaren, Jacqueline (Rich) Ebinger, and Deborah (Derek) Robinson. Joe was a bright light to all of his grandchildren, Jimmy, Jenny, Chris, Tyler, Natasha, Patricia, Phoebe, Brodie, Ashley, Morgan, Preslie, Gaston and Garrett; and his two great-grandchildren, Truitt and Josie.

Joe brought all of us love, laughter, friendship, peace and understanding. His light will shine bright in all of us through the memories he gave us.

Private Family Services will be held. Final Resting place will be at Alexander Harper Cemetery in Unionville. Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family at this time. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com