JOSEPH UPOLE

Joseph L. Upole, 67, died on December 31, 2021, at Staten Island University Hospital South. He was born in Morgantown, West Virginia and lived in Staten Island, NY at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joan Upole (Ivanouski), his beloved borrowed son, Irakli Tatishvili and his wife Joanna Waschek (North Bergman, NJ); his well-loved and deeply cherished grandchildren Eva Snow and Elliot Tengis; his siblings Violet Cass (Mecosta MI); Sue Hilgeman (Jim) (Ft Wayne OH); Steve Upole (Faye) (Wauseon OH) ; Phillip Upole (Celia) (Manchester OH); Beth Bollenbacher and Greg who was Joe’s closest and well-loved friend (Payne, OH); many nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews and great-great nieces & nephews; and his steadfast companion Golden Retriever, Lost. He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Paul L. Upole and Virginia Hemings Upole, two sisters, Anna Kuhn (Cincinnati OH) and Ruth Burkey (Bowling Green, OH), and his neice Emily Lynette (Kuhn) Brockman (Cincinnati OH). Joseph was an Ordained United Methodist Minister who served churches in The West Virginia and New York Annual Conferences. During his tenure as a pastor he served 21 churches over 38 years. Most recently he was pastor of Woodrow United Methodist Church on Staten Island. He was a graduate of West Virginia Wesley College, (Buckhannon WV), Wesley Seminary (Washington DC), and studied toward a Doctoral degree at Drew University. Joseph was a good man. His most enduring quality was his tender, uplifting, and consistent love for his wife, son, and grandchildren. His most cherished role was that of “Grandpa.” He found a new, deep, and abiding love for his grandchildren that brought a dimension of joy to his life that surpassed all other life experiences. He leaves us with this message: FOR I AM SURE THAT NEITHER DEATH, NOR LIFE, NOR ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, JO THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME, NOR POWERS, NOR HEIGHT, OR DEPTH, NOR ANYTHING IN ALL CREATION WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD …. Romans 8:37-39 At Joe’s request there will not be a viewing or funeral. A celebration of his life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to: The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), PO Box 9068 GPO, New York, NY 10087-9068 and noted: UMCOR: (WHERE MOST NEEDED) IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH L UPOLE.  If you prefer to use a credit card, please call 770.625.7727 to insure your donation is designated in Joseph’s memory. To send condolences to the family, e-mail messages to : Revupole@gmail.com.