Joe Biro

Hartford:

Joseph Harold “Joe” Biro, 78, of Hartford, left this world peacefully while at his residence surrounded by loved ones. He took his last breath and went home to be with the Lord at 1:09 am on Thursday, June 6, 2024. He was born on May 6, 1946, in Alton, the son of Mary (Tolle) Biro Spano of Wood River and the late Andrew Biro. In addition to his mother, Joe is survived by his partner, Janis Payne of Roxana, three daughters, Leigha (Tommy Braden) Biro of Hartford, Adrienne (Tyler) Proctor of Kettering, Ohio, Shannon Oehler of Seattle, Washington, and one son, Jeremy (Nelly) Simpson of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Gwendolyn (Isaac) Katzmarek, three grandsons, Xavier Stuller, Micah Proctor, Jordan Simpson, one great grandson, Jackson Katzmarek, eight siblings, Tony (Linda) Biro of Godfrey, Mari (Steven) Wade of Alton, Patricia Sheets of Olathe, KS, Stephani Biro of East Alton, Jeri (Jim) Hampsey of Alton, Andi (Gina) Biro of Ellisville, MO, Staci Grieve of Wood River, Rick Biro of Wood River, and too many other family members to list.

Joe was employed in custodial services at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville from March 1989 until he retired in January 2007. He was an artist who loved leather making, drawing, etching glass, collecting coins, and making wearable rings out of silver coins. He had a passion for music and enjoyed playing his harmonicas, dulcimer, singing and writing his own songs. He enjoyed listening to all genres of music, but his favorites were classic rock, motown and blues. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. He knew the value of honoring US military members and first responders at their funerals, and took his mission seriously. He stood proudly beside his Patriot Guard brothers and sisters until his health made it impossible to continue his duty. He will be greatly missed by all of us who loved him. Joe loved riding his Triumph motorcycle.

In addition to his dad, Joe was preceded in death by his step dad Jack Spano, a niece Juli Biro, and a nephew John Biro.

In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be from 11am to 1pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Patriot Guard Riders and will be accepted at the funeral home.