Norristown Native, Popular Bar Owner, Passes Away At 83

Image and obituary via Carmenico Funeral Home

NORRISTOWN, PA — Joseph M. (“Smokey”) Lasorda, age 83, of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 6, 2018. Born on March 19, 1935 in Norristown, PA, to Carmella (Covuto) & Sabatino Lasorda (Abruzzo, Italy), he was the youngest of 5 brothers: Eddie, Tommy, Harry and Morris. He served his country in the US Navy on the USS Iowa. He and his 3 brothers owned Lasorda’s Marchwood Tavern in Exton, PA, for almost 40 years.

Smokey enjoyed life. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends whether it was at the Marchwood Tavern or in his home. He was an exceptional cook, preparing Italian dishes for his family and friends. He was known for his quick wit, his jokes, his warm personality and his kindness. He had an exceptional talent for always making people feel at home and making them laugh. He knew so many people in his neighborhood that he was lovingly called the “Mayor of the Colonnade”.

Upon retiring, Smokey moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where he enjoyed golf and continued to make friends and socialize. Smokey loved his family and friends and he was loved and beloved by them. He will sorely be missed by all who knew him, including his two beloved dogs, Pepe and Zoey, who brought him great joy.

Smokey is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gaetana (Sansone) Lasorda; his two children, Edward (Darbie) Lasorda & his wife, Ginny; Michelle Salamone and her husband, John Salamone; his granddaughter, Deanna Marie Lasorda; many nieces and nephews and his step grandchildren, Brendan Kuhn and Angela Kolachny. Smokey was predeceased in death by his parents and brothers, Edward & Morris Lasorda and his first wife, Irene Farrell Lasorda.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, September 14 from 6 8 PM, and Saturday, September 15 from 8:30 945 AM at the Caramenico FH Inc., Main & Walnut Sts., Ntn., PA. Funeral Mass will follow at Holy Savior Church, 407 East Main Street, Norristown, PA, 19401, at 10 AM, with burial St. Patrick's Cemetery, 2400 DeKalb Pike, E. N Norriton, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tri County Animal Rescue, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433