ForeverMissed
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Joseph "Joe" Udegbe, age 63, passed away to reunite with God on September 22, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was a man of strong Catholic faith and servitude and will be profoundly missed by his wife, children, siblings as well as countless friends all over the world whom he loved very much.

We invite all family and friends to the funeral service celebrating his life and achievements.

*****KINDLY NOTE*****

Link to watch Joe's funeral Mass Live is below 

https://venue.streamspot.com/stmax

Click on schedule underneath screen player  and select “Joseph Udegbe Mass of Burial”

Mass begins streaming at 10.55 am EST


Funeral arrangements are as follows: 

A Tribute to Engineer Joseph Ehiabhili Udegbe: An Evening of Worship

Friday October 5, 2018 6.30pm - 8pm 
Cincinnati, OH 

For further details please call: (513) 285-8454

Visitation

Saturday October 6, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am, 
St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 
5720 Hamilton Mason Road, 
Hamilton, OH 45011

Funeral Mass

Saturday October 6, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm, 
St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 
5720 Hamilton Mason Road, 
Hamilton, OH 45011

Joe would be laid to rest during the interment service following the funeral mass and procession to Landmark Memorial Gardens.

Interment Service

Landmark Memorial Gardens
1600 Glendale Milford Road
Cincinnati, OH 45215

Suggested hotels around the area:

Hilton Garden Inn 
9306 Schulze Dr, 
West Chester Township, OH 45069

Holiday Inn Cincinnati N - West Chester
5800 Muhlhauser Rd, 
West Chester Township, OH 45069

Home2 Suites by Hilton Cincinnati Liberty Township
7145 Liberty Centre Dr, 
Liberty Township, OH 45069

The family of Joe Udegbe encourages all of us to share tributes, stories, condolences and pictures you may have of him which they will cherish forever. 

Kindly note that this website would be updated as more information regarding funeral arrangements unfold. Thank you all.

September 25, 2019
September 25, 2019
Whoa so it is one year now that Joe left this sinful world to be forever with God!!! How time flies! Joe since you left us last year we have been missing you and we will continue to miss you until we meet to part no more. Joe continue to rest in the bosom of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom you loved, served, adored and worshiped while on this side of the divide. May God Himself continue to console the families you left behind and may He fill the gaps caused by your glorious departure. Adieu Joe. Good night.

Prof. EmilOlorun A. Aiyelari
(For and on behalf of the Parish Laity Council of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria)
September 24, 2019
September 24, 2019
May the soul of the departed continue to rest in peace. Also, may the good Lord continue to watch and comfort the family. And for the rest of us, may He continue to teach us to number our days so that we may continue to apply wisdom to our lives.
September 24, 2019
September 24, 2019
Uncle Joe. One year already! May your gentle soul rest in peace and may the almighty father continue to bless and keep your lovely family. RIP.
September 23, 2019
September 23, 2019
A year ago Just like yesterday that uncle Joe left us. Continue to rest in perfect peace,God has you in his arms but we have you in our heart.
September 22, 2019
September 22, 2019
Remembering you and your family this 1st anniversary of your leaving. You have been my thoughts and last week I actually had a vivid dream where we were together again in my dream. You were exceedingly happy and excited...kind of like when we were in school and living that carefree life young people do. I take it that you are in a very happy place. Thank you.
September 22, 2019
September 22, 2019
Today provides an opportunity for us to thank God for all He has done in the lives of all your loved ones  since your departure into greater glory. You were a strong source of support, a sunrise and a comforting whsiper. You will continue to be alive in our hearts. May the Almighty God continue to increase the faith and inner strength of your wife and children in every situation and circumstance .
September 22, 2019
September 22, 2019
The Greater Uwamu family do surely miss Joe (our great son-in-law) & he will be fondly remembered for his respect, love and care of everyone he had contact with. We pray for ‘Bola & the children while we ask God to grant him eternal rest in his kingdom-Amen
Fure Uwamu
September 22, 2019
September 22, 2019
God continue to comfort everyone that Eng Joe Udegbe left behind especially the wife and children.
God that gave you the grace to stand since the departure of your loved one will always be there for you all the time. May God’s peace and continuous wisdom be available to you to run the home left behind.
Eng. Joe continue to sleep in the bosom of your Lord in perfect peace.
September 22, 2019
September 22, 2019
It’s already been a year and we still can’t believe Uncle Joe is gone. We sadly miss him along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but he is always there in our hearts.

Prof Bola Udegbe, we know that no words will help or ease the pain, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. It is our hope these words, however small, offer some comfort on what we know is a tough day. Wishing you peace, strength and the deepest sympathies on this anniversary.
October 25, 2018
October 25, 2018
Sending my condolences to my boss, Prof Udegbe and her family. I could not believe my ears. But then, I know he is now in a better place today. May God comfort you like only He can, and give you the strength to bear this great loss. May God grant the soul of Engr Udegbe eternal rest in His heavenly bossom in Jesus' name.
October 24, 2018
October 24, 2018
I just learned about the exit of Uncle Joe. I didn't interact much with him but the few encounters we had proved to me that he was a gentleman properly so called. An amiable and very humble man. May his gentle soul find rest. I also pray that the Lord will comfort the family. Adieu.
October 14, 2018
October 14, 2018
Dear Aide,
May God envelope you, your mum, Egbadon and Zafe with His peace and comfort. May Papa's soul rest in perfect peace. Praying for you all and sending lots of love!
October 13, 2018
October 13, 2018
Oooo Aide dearie, I am short of words. Pls accept my heart felt condolenses. Back in BCA, I remember your Dad was so lively, he was so creative, at a point I felt there was nothing he couldn't make. Warm regards to Mama. Papa would surely be missed.
God's peace and warmth. (Joyce Imumoren nee Ebe)
October 13, 2018
October 13, 2018
Oh dear Aide. I’m so sorry to hear this.
I can’t forget BCA days, the joy when you talked about ‘papa’. He definitely had a profound influence on you. I pray that our Lord brings you and your family the much needed comfort and peace during this sad time.
October 13, 2018
October 13, 2018
Joseph Udegbe – A Tribute
I, like most of our core group of friends (Emma Coker, Enyi Kanu, and John the boss etc.) met Joe 44 years ago when we were admitted into the Pre-Degree Program at the University of Benin.
I have a vivid memory of my first night in school as I was settling into the guest room assigned for newcomers this young man, Joseph, walked into the room. We were still teenagers. He was a friendly and talkative fellow and introduced himself as someone who was staying in the guest room because he was not yet comfortable enough to move into his allocated hostel, Hostel O. Joe decided to spend one last night in the guest room, and in a way I was happy with his decision to spend the night in that room because the third occupant of the room that night was the hairy chested and scary looking “Chairman” Goodluck Achoja, who had been walking bare chested around the room all evening.
We formed a friendship that has lasted all these years, bringing our families together in a way that few friendships do. I met all of Joe’s 12 siblings except the oldest brother Dan. I knew Sister Carol and her family, and Frank, the late Mike Pedro, Greg, Julie, Benjamin, who were like my siblings, and the younger ones bookended by Gabriel. Joe also knew my family the same way. Papa and Mama treated me like another of their many sons, no less.
Joe was a presence. You had to know he was there. More importantly, he was a confident, intelligent and reliable person who took pride in everything he did. He was also very dedicated to his faith. He was Catholic and having spent some of my time with his family it was obvious where that faith was rooted. His father lead family prayers at 6:00 am unfailingly every morning. I remember a personal trip I made to Uromi in the early 90’s for the burial service of an in-law, I spent the night at Papa’s home. I arrived late in the evening from Lagos. After exchanging niceties with Papa and catching up on the gist of the day we all went to bed. As usual at 6:00 am Papa was summoning the family for morning prayers.
Joe loved building things. His woodworking business, Wood Links, grew out of that love. His mind was always imagining what he could put together from virtually anything. His first product was a divan bed made from cylindrical logs of white wood, waste material from a match factory in Ibadan combined with waste pine wood from Delta Steel Company, Warri, extracted from crates that were used to bring in equipment and spares from Europe. This divan bed was an instant hit. Everybody wanted one. Being crafted from free waste elements, the divan was sold for cheap. Working with him at that time I always marveled at the way he could put the most complex assemblies together in his mind. He was a hard worker and he applied his mind and brawn to his beautiful wood construction projects. After a long time away from each other and meeting in Boston again in recent years, I saw that his many years of working in wood construction had sharpened that instinct. He had a” beautiful mind”. It was a pleasure discussing engineering problems with him. He always had a very innovative approach to solving problems.
Joe formed friendships everywhere he went. In Warri at Delta Steel he knew “everybody”. The same in Port Harcourt at NAFCON, even as a spouse at his wife’s University, going out for a beer in the staff club you got the feeling he was an insider as he chummied with the professors. In a way he was the glue around our core group of friends because of the individual and personal relationships he had with each of us and a lot of those who pay him respects here.
Most of all. Joe loved Bola and the family they created together. He loved to dedicate himself to his wife’s success and took great pride in Bola’s and the children’s achievements. He worked very hard to make sure they got what they needed to succeed. It is no surprise that their family boasts three Ph.Ds in Bola, Aide and Aigbadon. Zafe is obviously on the way to doing great things from that inspiration.
I am pained that Joe would lose his life from an ailment that few people (in the West) die from these days. In normal circumstances Joe would be treated and cured in a few weeks. Two of my pastors and two of my close friends and many more men are survivors and are living productive lives.
He died because of our negligent health care system back home that failed him. 
At the end of it all, and with God’s help, he was able to seek treatment in the United States.
I cry for my friend but I take solace in the fact that he has left a worthy legacy that his family and all of us can be proud of.
October 11, 2018
October 11, 2018
A Tribute to my unseen friend. It is quite a big shock to receive this link today announcing the demise of Engr Joseph Udegbe. It was only on the 1st of October 2018 that I sent you a new month/ independence wishes not knowing that the Creator has chosen to keep you to Himself. I titled my write-up as a tribute to an unseen friend because I have neither seen nor met Engr Joseph in person before, but I think it will be unjust if i did not put up this missive. My contact with Engr Joe was as a result of my search of one who would come and render a service for us in our Catholic School "Royal College Ibadan" where I am the administrator. My inquiry led me to someone who gave a good testimony of Engr Joe saying to me "Fr., pls have the contact of this man, he is always available to services in the Church and humanity". When I called Engr. Joe and presented my my reason for calling, his response corrolated with the testimony earlier said of him. His words to me: " thanks Fr. for this honour and recognition given me to come and serve the Church in this capacity; I would have loved to do it, but it's quite unfortunate my health is failing, I have been out of Nigeria for morethan three months receiving treatment in the USA. I would not want to send my wife to stand in for me because I have engaged her in many things back home already. Please pray for me that I recover and when i come back, i will make it up". Ever since, we have been sending pleasantries and prayerful wishes. The last been the one i sent to him on the 1st October 2018 not knowing that Engr Joe was already resting in the Lord's bossom. Engr Joe, as you have gone before us to this necessary journey which every human person must accomplish, I pray the good Lord to continue to rest your soul and grant your family the fortitude to bear your absence. Rest in peace. Rev. Fr. Paul Chinonso Ogene, Sc
October 9, 2018
October 9, 2018
Sending my condolences to my lecturer and mentor in UI, Prof Udegbe and her family. May God comfort you like only He can, and give you the strength to bear this great loss. May God grant the soul of Engr Udegbe eternal rest in His heavenly bossom in Jesus' name.
October 8, 2018
October 8, 2018
You surely lived a good life. Rest on in the bossom of the Lord. Good night. ACP(DR.) S.O Akinfenwa
October 7, 2018
October 7, 2018
I will never forget brother Joe. Thank you for being part of our family. You played the role of a father and brother to us. You were a God fearing, open and honest hardworking , gentle man .May your gentle soul rest in peace.
October 7, 2018
October 7, 2018
Dear Aide & Family,
There is no easy way to comfort you for the loss of your remarkable father. He was and will continue to be truly respected. I can only pray that God will comfort you in ways only He can.
Be sure of this one thing, his life will always be celebrated especially through you.
My deepest condolences- Dr. Dami Ajaiyeoba
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Brother Joe, We love you but God loves you most. I pray that God's mercy will be poured out abundantly upon you and that God will grant you eternal rest.May your soul rest in peace.
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Goodbye Uncle Joe,May God grant you abundant peace and mercy and may you dwell in his presence eternally.from Faustina and Florence Udegbe.
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Whao, so Joe is gone, am really lost. I commiserate with you Bola and your children. Be sure of my continuous prayers for you and the entire family. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen.
Mama H. O. Antonio and Lorenzo Antonio
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Brother Joe,may your soul find rest with your Creator and may He grant your loved ones you left behind the fortitude to bear your loss.Adieu
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Dear Aide,
I look back at our friendship from BCA to date and recall your dad being a prominent part of your life. From pushing you to succeed in various areas to being a constant anchor for the entire family. I remember the warmth I felt during my one and only visit to Ibadan while we were still in BCA.
One thing is sure; your dad left a lasting legacy in the great kids he raised along with your mum. You all are solid well grounded individuals. Your dad was hands-on and took his role as a father very seriously. He should be a role model for young men today.
He lived a life of purpose and he will be greatly missed. Its time for the rest of us to find our purpose and maximise our time here.
May God comfort you, your mum, Egbadon, Zafe and the entire family. My prayers are with you all now always.
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Bola, you and your childrend we're loved dearly by your husband. He's now become an angel for you. God's love for you is GREATER still. And he is moved by the passing of one of his precious saints. May the God of all comfort envelope you in His embrace, wipe away all your tears and continue to make provision for you as a father and husband would. In Jesus name. Amen.
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Engr. Joe Udegbe- This is a huge shock, too big to bear. It is undoubtedly a blow. Why it is too late now to be asking what happened, when and for how long, we have to bow to the will of the Almighty. Even though we did not see often, the deep affection and childhood bond as we were growing up was always palpable.
You were a very refined, gentle, soft spoken and ever smiling individual. God knows best. May your gentle and amiable soul rest in perfect peace. You will be sorely missed. May God look after your dear wife, Bola the children that you loved so dearly and the rest of the family. Adieu Joe. John & Gloria Anetor.
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
I met Joe through his wife- Bola. Joe was one of the most serious minded persons I’ve ever met. He was a dependable friend even when it was inconvenient.
I remember that he sought me out & encouraged me on his visit to the UK in 2002 when I had just emigrated.
He was a big brother I never had. May he continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Dear Bola, Egbadon, Aide and Zafe,
Our thoughts are with you as you say your final goodbyes to your husband and father, Joe.
We pray that the good Lord will forgive him his sins and accept him in His everlasting Kingdom.
May the Lord give you all the fortitude to bear this loss.
We will surely miss him.
Our love always.
Misan,Kofi and Alero Senaya.
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Joe was a very good man, he was among other great things a friend and my precious In-law to the Uwamu family and our family is sadend by this loss. May God grant Joe eternal rest and provide his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
October 6, 2018
October 6, 2018
Dearest Aide,
The passing away of your dad came as a great shock to me. I remember him so well from our BCA days so strong and full of life. He always encouraged us to work very hard and was extremely pleasant. I pray that God almighty will comfort you, your mum and siblings. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
October 5, 2018
October 5, 2018
Engr. Joe Udegbe, Your passing has been a rude shock. It is inconceivable and hard to believe that you are gone. I woke up this morning with the realization that today was your service of songs and tomorrow you will be laid to rest. It was then it dawned on me that your time here was over. You will truly be missed by me especially remembering your kind and godly personality that you impacted on me and my family, how you stood by us right from the time I was introduced to you before our wedding. Your acceptance of me as part of your family was very remarkable and the godly wisdom and advice you gave both my husband & I will continuously be remembered. When my husband traveled to Canada, your house became a second home to me and both you and your lovely wife Prof Bola Udegbe and your wonderful kids accepted me as family, a privilege that I have enjoyed to date. This memory will never be forgotten and you will always hold a place in my heart. You have left your footprints on the sands of time and you will be fondly remembered. Sleep on till we meet to part no more. May God continue to uphold your wonderful family and the rest of us. Rest in perfect peace. Adieu!
October 5, 2018
October 5, 2018
It is with a heavy heart and great regret to hear about the death of "uncle Joe" as we all call him. It's so difficult to believe that you are no more. I remember when you travelled all the way to Jos from Ibadan to attend our mother's burial. It was so touching because your motive was to support us with your presence at your owe expenses, not wanting to bother any one. Very quiet, soft spoken and unassuming. Sis Bola my heart goes to you all Aide, Egbadon and Zafe. May God grant you the fortitude to bare the loss. May his soul rest in peace
October 5, 2018
October 5, 2018
A great man, a man of faith, ever ready to serve the Church in whatever capacity he was needed. Even in death he remains a source of inspiration for many as he lived his life for the good of all making him an icon of faith.
As we mourn the loss of our dearly beloved brother, we take consolation in the words of Christ who says of himself, I am the resurrection and the life. 
Kindly accept my condolence on behalf of the Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Archdiocese of Ibadan. 
Requiscat in Pace. 
Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin
Archbishop of Ibadan.
October 5, 2018
October 5, 2018
My uncle Joe, the quiet spoken and smiling gentleman. I always remember you like that since I was a child. You were always there to encourage and celebrate me.
It’s hard to write this as it’s seems unreal. The last time I spoke to you, I was worried as I feared you were slipping away but I didn’t think it will be this soon.
I have comforted as I know you are resting now so it’s not goodbye but goodnight.
Love you
Doris
October 5, 2018
October 5, 2018
What a shock this is! We are consoled by the exemplary Christian life you lived. A gentleman, soft spoken and kind...you were an example in the way you lived family life.
You will be forever missed in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic church,University of Ibadan. For apart from your generosity, the beautiful pews designed and constructed by you will be a constant reminder of you. May your soul rest in perfect peace and may the Holy Spirit send consolation to your family and friends who mourn. Stanley and Patricia.
October 5, 2018
October 5, 2018
It was a very sad and shocking news to hear about the death of our dear brother, Engr Udegbe. What a great loss to our community. This indeed is the reality of life that " some sleep early, some sleep just on time and some sleep late. The" The important thing is t hat all must sleep. We are consoled with the fact that he lived a worthy life, fervently loving and serving God..He has gone to be with his creator to live in eternity. To Bola, Aide, Egbadon and Omozafe please take heart because you have one more intercessor in heaven. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen! Peter and Margaret.
October 4, 2018
October 4, 2018
Uncle, I knew so little about you but always run into you on your morning workout. You also struck me as a very quiet and lovely person. Our community will surely miss you. It is our prayers that God grant you eternal rest. Rest in peace.
October 3, 2018
October 3, 2018
*COMING HOME: A TRIBUTE TO ENGR. JOSEPH UDEGBE.*
It was with a very heavy heart that every member of our family took in the sad and shocking news of the untimely passing away our brother and friend Engr. Joseph UDEGBE in the USA. We commiserate with and send our codolences to our sister Prof. Bola Udegbe and the children. May the Lord grant you the strength to bear the loss with fortitude. We shall always remember Engr. Udegbe as an amiable, affable and loving personality. He was meek and humble, unassuming and reliable.
We shall always miss you. Our prayers shall always be with the family he left behind. May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord. Pax Christi. Deo gratias.
Olu and Helen Osinowo and Children.
October 3, 2018
October 3, 2018
WHAT A BLOW !.                          Dear Joe, it's not good you ended it this way, you told me on phone that you were just sorting out somethings there in the US, that I don't need to borther about your health, only for me to see your obituary on the internet.             So, is it ? !, eventually you couldn't sort it out ?. Death where is your sting ?. No wonder you occupied my mind since last week and my left eyelid blinked uncontrollably, am sorry I didn't understand !.             I take consolation in your strong Catholic Christian faith in the Almighty God. It is my prayer and hope that you will make heaven by the special grace of God- Amen.      For three decade's I've known you, you remained steadfast both in your Christian faith, believe and classic qualitative professional skills you practiced.                            I pray and will always continue to pray God to rest your gentle soul in perfect peace- Amen, and the Holy Spirit to fill the vacuum you've left behind in your family- Amen.          God will take better care of your wife and the children, they shall flourish like palms planted by the stream of the living spring, protected guided and guarded jealously like the apple of His eyes in JESUS name- Amen.     I will forever miss you my good friend, rest in perfect peace- Amen.     Erternal Rest grant to you Oh Lord !, and let perpetual light shine upon you. May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace- Amen. Adieu Bro. Joe !            Fondly remembered by- Sir. Obinna Amelius Ugwu & family.
October 3, 2018
October 3, 2018
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God grant you the fortitude to bare the loss. May his soul rest in Peace.
October 1, 2018
October 1, 2018
On behalf of the family of late Hon. Justice Joseph Olakunke OROJO, I commiserate with the entire Adanijo family on the demise their sob-in-law.
I truly hope this finds you well and holding up over the loss of your beloved brother-in-law. I know what a difficult and painful loss this is.
I want to convey our family’s deepest sympathy to the Adanijo family on this loss. Times like this truly test our faith.
I am reminded of the Bible passage that says "Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted." I hope that your family find that comfort and that your faith will guide you all during this difficult time.
It is our fervent prayers that your brother-in-law will be rewarded for the gracious and blessed life that he led. 
I hope that by holding on to your faith and trusting in the Almighty God, your family will find the peace and comfort to ease this pain.
Once again our deepest sympathy.
Be strong and courageous in this very sad and difficult time.
Sincerely
For and on behalf of the OROJO clan
Ekiteji, Ijaja, Arigidi 
Akoko NW LGA
Ondo State
October 1, 2018
October 1, 2018
It is with deep sadness and disbelief that I am having to write in a tribute put together for “Uncle Joe” as we fondly called him. The news of his passing remains surreal.
Growing up, Uncle Joe had always been a part of the family and by extension a part of my life. Out of all my eldest sibling’s friends, I found him the most easy going, with him always calling me “Dis” with such pleasantness whenever he saw me.
Even though I hadn’t seen him in several years, it is hard to think of him as no more.
I pray the Lord grants Aunty Bola, Aide, Egbadon and Zafe the strength to carry on and I pray Uncle Joe rests peacefully in the Lord’s Bosom...Amen
October 1, 2018
October 1, 2018
God will see the Udegbe family through these hard times. My deepest condonlences ❤️, you will continue to live on through your children as they continue to grow and succeed with the guidence of the Lord. Many blessings are ahead we claim it in Jesus name. Rest in perfect peace
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2018
Your demise is a shock. Joe, you were a gentle man par excellence kind unassuming hardworking father and husband. You were very generous to the Church a good man. A highly spiritual man, you have shared in Christ sufferings and you will by His grace share in His glory. May your gentle soul rest in Peace. Amen.
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2018
It’s so hard to get used to the fact that Joe is no more. All I can picture is his cheerful face , and strong voice. I can’t help but relive the years I’ve known him. I have always had a respect for Joe, his easy going ways, wisdom, his talents and his love for Bola and the children.
Joe you would never be forgotten as a very good friend that stuck like a brother.
You will be very much missed. Each time I
see my kitchen and wooden floors I will always remember you and the relationship we had as a family. These so often put you in my heart even when you were alive.
Good night dear big brother.
May God see Bola and the children through. Amen.
Bimbo Ikpefan
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September 25, 2019
September 25, 2019
Whoa so it is one year now that Joe left this sinful world to be forever with God!!! How time flies! Joe since you left us last year we have been missing you and we will continue to miss you until we meet to part no more. Joe continue to rest in the bosom of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom you loved, served, adored and worshiped while on this side of the divide. May God Himself continue to console the families you left behind and may He fill the gaps caused by your glorious departure. Adieu Joe. Good night.

Prof. EmilOlorun A. Aiyelari
(For and on behalf of the Parish Laity Council of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria)
September 24, 2019
September 24, 2019
May the soul of the departed continue to rest in peace. Also, may the good Lord continue to watch and comfort the family. And for the rest of us, may He continue to teach us to number our days so that we may continue to apply wisdom to our lives.
September 24, 2019
September 24, 2019
Uncle Joe. One year already! May your gentle soul rest in peace and may the almighty father continue to bless and keep your lovely family. RIP.
His Life

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

September 25, 2018

Joseph (Joe as he was fondly called) was born on March 11, 1955 in Kafanchan, Nigeria. He attended Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria where he graduated in 1972. He then obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Benin, Edo State followed by a Master of Science degree in Wood Products Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Oyo, State, Nigeria.

Joe was employed at Delta Steel Company (DSC), Warri, Delta State followed by National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State until 1990. He created Wood Links LLC a furniture company where he fully dedicated his passion until his passing. He is survived by his wife and 3 children.

Joe will be remembered as man of great integrity and strength who loved his family and friends immeasurably.


TRIBUTE BY AIDE UDEGBE

October 10, 2018

Dear Papa, 

I put off writing this so many times because I knew it would be an extremely emotional experience for me.  Right now, I recall you telling me to be strong for mama and my siblings, but it seems difficult do without you around. Papa, words alone cannot describe how eternally grateful I am for having you as a father. You were indeed specially chosen for Egbadon, Zafe and I from heaven. Everyone is talking about how you were a model father and husband, an undeniable fact. I almost feel guilty because I’m not sure I told you enough how much I appreciated all the unending sacrifices you made. I guess I never imagined you would be gone so soon.

As far back as I can remember my childhood, I was showered with overwhelming love from you and Mama. Papa you taught me everything I know. I remember how you painstakingly taught me Algebra and Calculus.  We are all Engineers because of you. You made Egbadon and I write essays whenever we travelled and experienced something new. Everyone is always surprised how dexterous I am, a trait I obviously picked up from you. You taught us how to drive. You taught us countless life lessons one of which is the importance of friendships. I recall all the stories about your oldest and closest friends. 

You were a pillar of strength. I would never forget December 2010 when you carried me several flights of stairs to my apartment on the third floor because I was too weak to climb on my own after a surgery. When you became ill I saw how hard you fought. No matter how much pain you were in, every time you were asked how you were doing, you always replied “I’m fine,” with the broadest smile. You were indeed the strongest man I know.

Papa you were always there for us but there are still so many more things I wanted to do with you. I wish we had more time with you. I am finding it very difficult to imagine a life without your guidance and incessant support. However, I have to make peace with the fact that heaven has requested you back just the same way you were gifted to us. I will hold on to all the memories we made and I will forever miss you. You’ve taught us everything we need to thrive, but I look forward to the day when we are finally reunited. I love you so much Papa. Rest in perfect peace.

From your loving daughter,

Aide Udegbe

TRIBUTE BY EGBADON UDEGBE

October 10, 2018

Dear Papa,

I’ve finally mustered the courage to compose a tribute to you, to commemorate your eminently untimely passing. The mere idea that you are not with us is still so difficult to grapple with. You fought against your ailment so valiantly, for so long! You bore the mantle like a champ, constantly reassuring us of your wellbeing and assuaging our concerns with your characteristic aura of calm. But when the burden became too heavy, God in His infinite mercy decided it was time to liberate you from your pain. While we are all deeply hurt by your loss, we take some comfort in the knowledge that you are forever free from all suffering. 

Since the news, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the man that you were. Simply put, you were a man driven by a selfless and uncompromising commitment to your family. Right from a tender age when your father moved in with us after your mom’s passing, you instilled in us what it truly meant to support your family. You had two children in boarding school in Jos and Abuja, on the opposite end of the country, yet you were nearly a constant at every visiting day, every airport run, ever-present when we needed you. There are countless other examples but throughout your lifetime, you truly embodied what it means to place everything secondary to your family. 

So, as I reflect on your legacy, several of your career and personal achievements come to mind, but perhaps one of your most indelible imprints is the impact you’ve had on your family in making us the best we can be. When I sit here today and think about my achievements and every nuance of my character, I start to recall all the grueling math exercises and essay-writing during holidays, all the chess and table tennis lessons, the summer camps, the guitar lessons, making me listen to jazz, and I realize that every fiber of who I am is a direct result of what you put into my life. I have a father who was relentless in his desire to propel me to the pinnacle of my potential, and to help me realize my dreams. There is simply no way I would be where I am today without you. I get it now, and I can’t wait to have my own children so I can move them up to the next rung.

How does Heaven feel? After all the physical, mental and emotional turmoil you had to endure at the tail end of your momentous lifetime, we are uplifted knowing that you are smiling down on us. We take solace in the fact that you are now reunited with your Maker, Baba, Mama, Daddy and Mummy. You have never been the one for ceremony, but we know that you are in attendance as we celebrate your life today, and you are wearing that radiant smile of yours. We will never stop missing you, but it’s now our turn to assure you that we’ll be strong and continue support each other. We’ll forever hold on to the fond memories and the joy you brought to all our lives, till we meet again.

Love from your dearest son,

Egbadon Udegbe

Recent stories

Edna Deimi Tobi

September 26, 2018

Uncle Joe as we all fondly call him in the Tobi household was such a calm, friendly gentleman, husband and family man. Your passing was most unexpected, but we are consoled by the fact that you are in a better place. May your gentle and kind soul find favour with God, and rest in perfect peace.

We pray for the intercession of our most Holy Mother for comfort and healing at this most trying period for our dear sister Bola, for your lovely children Egbadon, Aide and Zafe and for your siblings. God will surely give all the strength, guidance and grace to navigate this difficult curve. Amen!


From John Ekore (Riyadh, KSA).

September 26, 2018

The news of Engr. Joe Udegbe's death came as a great shock. A nice man I have known to be a shining example of how to love and appreciate one's family as special gift from God. I will never forget all the ways Engr. Joe Udegbe motivated my family to make our children's education as our investment priority. Despite leaving the world so soon, everyone who knew him closely would be consoled by his sincere service to God and humanity through strict adherence to the Catholic faith that he genuinely practised and lived to the admiration of all. May God grant our late Engr. Joseph Udegbe eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom. Amen. 

A truly genuine and loving man

September 25, 2018

We both were born in Kafanchan a few years apart and met almost three decades ago through our dear spouses (Kassey and Bola). When I look up I see the beautiful gift you gave us as our wedding gifts.  It still adorns our living room as it has for over twenty two years.  It says a lot about you: strong,  meticulous,  perfectionist,  enduring and lovely.

Kassey and I always admired your loving devotion to your wife, your children,  your parents,  your parents in-law and your siblings. We always thought of you as Bola's number one fan, most loving and most dependable husband for she was always the bone of your bone and the flesh of your flesh and your admiration for her was always too plain to see.  You were truly a unique person.  You shared yourselves with your friends. 

Kassey and I remember with joy and gratitude to God those times we shared at Christmas as we alternated between your home,  the Akingbade's and our home. They were full of lovely and lasting memories. 

Kassey and I will always treasure these memories. We thank God for your life, for you were also devoted to the Lord with whom you are now resting.  We give Him glory for your life and for your family.  We believe that He will comfort and watch over them and fill the void that your going to be with the Lord has left in their lives and in our lives.

We shall truly miss you until we meet to part no more. Adieu our dear friend 'uncle Joe'

Garba and Kassey 

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