Joe Meola Obituary

Altoona, Iowa

Joseph “Big Joe” James Meola, of Altoona, Iowa passed away peacefully at his home on September 1, 2026 at the age of 78.

He was born to William and Rosemary Meola on November 5, 1947, in Utica, New York, and was one of five children. Growing up in the Meola household meant there was rarely a quiet moment. Sunday mornings were filled with the television playing, family and friends talking over one another, and the smell of meatballs frying in the kitchen. Big Joe and his siblings would gather around, eating the meatballs almost as quickly as Rosemary could cook them. There was never a shortage of food, laughter, or company.

Big Joe graduated from T.R. Proctor High School in 1965. Following graduation, he considered a calling to the priesthood. He attended seminary for two years before deciding that his path would lead him somewhere else. He went on to attend college at the University of Nebraska Omaha on a football scholarship where he also wrestled, earning a degree in education. He taught physical education at Vernon-Verona High School for one year, and would later stay connected to the classroom by working occasionally as a substitute teacher.

Law enforcement always appealed to Big Joe, and after scoring an impressive 98 out of 100 on the New York State examination, he hoped to pursue a career in that field and decided to take a chance in Iowa, where state troopers were being hired. He moved to Iowa, completed the academy, and began his career as a State Trooper at Post 3 in western Iowa, near Atlantic. He later transferred to Des Moines, where he had the opportunity to be one of four troopers selected as part of a motorcycle brigade. It was during this time that Big Joe also began to pursue his wife Marcia, pulling her over while on duty several times. They were married three years later on March 7, 1981.

Big Joe retired from the State Patrol in May of 1983, shortly before his son, “Little Joe” was born. That fall, he began a new chapter with NAPA in sales, then moved to Balkamp where he became a national sales representative covering much of the western United States and eventually Canada. This position allowed Big Joe and Marcia to take many trips together, including Hawaii, Cancun, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

Over the years, Big Joe found joy in traveling with friends, cruising, spending time outdoors, and being surrounded by family. He loved the sunshine and always sported a great tan. Of all his travels, Alaska held a special place in his heart along with the Adirondack Mountains.

He was quick to master new hobbies, including woodworking and painting, while also spending time coaching soccer and earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Big Joe carried on the Meola Sunday traditions, hosting dinners for Little Joe and his friends filled with homemade Italian food and backyard soccer. He loved riding his motorcycle and was a founding member of the Southeast Iowa Blue Knights (Sixers). Eventually, Big Joe was able to get a 1969 GTO, a car he had always wanted, and one that became his prized possession.

Big Joe is survived by his wife, Marcia; his children, Joe (Laura) Meola of Altoona, Iowa; Mike (Suzanne) Dennis of Casey, Iowa; and Michelle (Matt) Redinbaugh of Atlantic, Iowa; and his grandchildren, Eve Meola, Mia Meola, Paige Dennis, Haile (Julian) Gibbs, Hunter Dennis, Kyle Redinbaugh, and Wyatt Redinbaugh, as well as seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Donna Brutto, Dan Meola, Danette Meola, and Royal (Terri) Nahno-Kerchee; his sister-in-law, Angela Meola; his aunts, Joan Velletto; his special cousin, Lisa Velletto; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rosemary Meola; his brother, Bill Meola; and his grandchildren Joseph James Meola III and Kinsley Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be given to Big Joe’s favorite organizations.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street, Altoona, Iowa. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18 at 10:30 am at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave., S., Altoona, Iowa. Interment will be held at the Altoona Cemetery following the service.

Those that have a motorcycle are encouraged to participate in an escort to give Big Joe one last ride.

A luncheon will follow the burial from noon to 3 pm at the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, 1100 Shriners Pkwy, Altoona, Iowa.

In keeping with Big Joe’s wishes, he requested that everyone come dressed in their best blue jeans.