Joseph J. Prebeg

Joseph J. Prebeg died peacefully on March 15 in Sherrills Ford, N.C.

From his Pez dispensers to his melting snowman, Joe always brought something special to pass the time and made at least five new friends every day. He attended Providence High School in New Lenox, Ill. and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in microbiology.

He spent his life traveling, laughing and tending numerous upscale bars, including David Ryan’s on Martha’s Vineyard, the place he loved the most. We know his light will shine bright and hope he is in charge of the playlist.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents John and Filomena (Bartolomei) Prebeg. He is survived by his siblings AnnaMarie (Jeff) Coffey, Matthew (Elizabeth) Prebeg, Michael Prebeg, Rosemarie (Perry) Sprowls, Guy Prebeg, Theresa (Martin) Farrell, and many nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed many great memories.

“There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be”.

Great last line and that was Joe the great orchestrator of fun.

Rest in peace my dear brother. The pain is gone now.

Simply one of the nicest people I have ever met.

Joseph (as my mother, Virginia Poole, insisted on calling Joe) and I first met when he lived at “El Chaos” the house next door to our home on South Summer St. My mother’s insistence to address Joseph by his full given name led to years of joyful banter between us — he addressed me as Katharine (never Kate) — and as we became friends the joy of having an inside joke with Joe was immeasurably cool! Joe your smile, humor, jokes, music and contagious free spirit will be deeply missed. And though to many you are “Joe”, to me you will always be the incredible Joseph. Peace my dear friend ~Katharine

How to Submit an Obituary

The Vineyard Gazette welcomes obituaries of people who have lived or vacationed regularly on Martha’s Vineyard. The Gazette does not charge for obituaries, but reserves the right to edit them for length and style. Please email copy and photo if desired to news@vineyardgazette.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for publication in print on Friday. Obituaries will appear online and in print.

Comments (4)

Bob, Edgartown

March 18, 2024 - 1:28pm

Michael Prebeg, Reno, NV

March 20, 2024 - 11:31am

Jay Immelt, Bellingham, Washington

March 22, 2024 - 3:40pm

Katharine Poole, Nashville TN & Chilmark MA

April 2, 2024 - 11:22am

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