Joseph (Joe) Menino was born in New Bedford, MA on March 10, 1955. He was the son of Joseph and Mary Menino. Joe attended Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth, MA, where he developed his love of theater and acting. After high school, Joe entered Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick Neck, RI, discerning a vocation as a Catholic priest. However, the stage became a stronger calling. As a result, Joe completed his undergraduate studies as an English and Theology major at Providence College in Providence, RI. After earning his undergraduate degree, Joe taught at Holy Family High School in New Bedford, MA for several years until he decided to move to New York City and study at the Shakespeare Conservatory. Several years later, Joe became a company member of the Jean Cocteau Repertory Theatre. Joe cherished his time at the Cocteau. Over his lifetime he performed in numerous plays in New York City and regional theatres throughout the United States, including Utah Shakespeare and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Joe met his wife and the love of his life, Kathleen, at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Together, Joe and Kathy went on to be part of the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble where they performed together and collaborated on many productions. Joe established his reputation as a fine actor and took great pride in every single production. Joe and Kathy were married for nineteen wonderful years.
Joe established strong relationships throughout his lifetime. One in particular was his best friend Robert, who served as Joe’s best man for Joe and Kathy’s wedding. Joe and Robert performed in 20 plays together and always had a raucous good time. Devoted and loyal, Joe became an insightful mentor and cherished friend to all whom he considered a member of his circle of friends. The stage was his natural habitat where he was most at home. Joe was a bright light in the theatre world and embodied each acting role with confidence and charm.
In his home life he enjoyed spending time with his bestest dog friend, Boru. He loved to walk Boru and meet his fellow dog parents. He never minded being referred to as “Boru’s Dad” instead of by his name.
Joe was warm, funny, and gifted. He loved his church, St. Ann of Hoboken, where he served as a reader. This was a responsibility that he took to heart. Prior to each Mass, he would diligently study and practice the readings. He had a profound understanding of the importance of the Word of God.
In lieu of flowers, Joe and Kathy wish all donations to go to GannonFund.org in memory of K9 Sergeant Sean McNamee Gannon who died in the line of duty on April 12, 2018. Sergeant Gannon is the son of Joe’s lifelong friends Patrick and Denise (Morency) Gannon. The mission of the fund is to promote education, health, and leadership by encouraging service through action. Also, consider a donation to See Spot Rescued, the organization where Joe and Kathy adopted little Boru. Joe would often say that adopting Boru was one of the best decisions of his life.
There will never be another Joseph Menino. He was one of a kind and will be missed by so many people. Rest well and watch over us, Joe. Crazy about you, Baby. (Kathy)
Funeral Mass at 10 AM on Wednesday, October 29 at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church, 704 Jefferson Street Hoboken, NJ 07030. Repast to follow in the Community Room of the Doric Apartments, 100 Manhattan Ave. Union City, from Noon to 4 PM.