Joseph Pastori
After a life filled with adventure and many great stories, Joseph Pastori, 66, turned the page on June 14, 2025. He was born on Sept. 26, 1958, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Louis and Lorraine (Campbell) Pastori.
Joe found his dream job working in the US Forest Service and retired after more than 30 years of service. He married his best friend, Ruth Merrill, on Nov. 14, 1990, and had many wonderful years together.
Joe loved the outdoors, and during his free time, he was always driving around his heaven on Earth — the National Forests. He loved hunting and fishing but later traded that hobby for photography and videotaping wildlife. He always had his video camera with him as he was not one to sit inside. He then taught himself to paint so he could capture what he caught on film. Joe was an avid sportsman. His brother John got him interested in woodcarving, and he enjoyed carving walking sticks for friends.
Joe was a warm and loving member of his family. He loved to talk about his adventures fighting fires out West, getting that big buck, pulling in that monster lunker or how he managed to get that perfect picture or video. He could captivate his audience with his stories. We couldn’t wait to hear the next one.
Joe is survived by his mom, Lorraine; sister, Cindy (Dan) Zubella; sister-in-law, Holly Pastori (Neil Statz); nephews, Tony (Angie) Zubella, Charlie Zubella, Dan (Stephanie) Pastori; niece, Gina (Devin Lee) Pastori; and special friend, Jeri Blumenstein.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; father, Louis; brother, John; and grandparents.
The family would like to thank Joe's neighbors, Pat and Rae, for tending to his care for some time, and the wonderful people at Hospice.
We really miss you, Joe, and hope you are on another great adventure — We love you, Joe!
Per his requests, the family held a private memorial.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com. PAID OBITUARY
