MEMORIAL GATHERING & MASS
Friday, May 15, 2026
at
Three Holy Women Parish – St. Rita Church,
1617 N. Cass Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Memorial Gathering: 9:30AM – 11:30 AM
Memorial Mass: 11:30 AM

 

In lieu of flowers, Joe’s family suggests memorials in his memory
To donate online, click on the link for the organization below:

 

Wisconsin Humane Society – Making a difference for animals and the people who love them

 

Home – Milwaukee Rescue Mission

 

Joe Megna

Joseph “Joe” Anthony Megna, was born on February 24, 1938 and passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026 at the age of 88.

Joe was born on Milwaukee’s Eastside to Antonio and Maria (nee Valenti) Megna, Italian immigrants originally from Porticello, Sicily. He grew up on Milwaukee’s Eastside where he attended St. Rita’s School on Cass Street and St. John’s Cathedral High School. Growing up he was surrounded by the traditions, food, language, and spirit of his Italian roots – a heritage he carried with pride throughout his life. He was a proud, active member of the Italian Community Center. Joe was equally proud to call himself a Milwaukeean. He carried the city in his heart and his stories told her history — he had a story about every corner and neighborhood of the city he loved and called home.

In 1962, he traveled to Sicily, where he met the love of his life, Girolama “Mimma” Orlando. They married that same year, and he proudly brought Mimma back to Milwaukee to build a life and a family together – first with daughter, Maria and followed by son, Michael. Joe was always a loving husband and father, but one of his most cherished family roles was being Grandpa Joe to Haley. Mimma was a remarkable chef, which worked out very well for Joe, as he loved to eat. Their love story was remarkable — they were married for 44 years before divorcing. Joe’s love for Mimma never really faded – they not only reunited some years later but even remarried — spending 61 years together in all.

Joe was a tireless worker and a true entrepreneur. Alongside Mimma, he built and operated several neighborhood businesses, including Tina’s Food Market, Magna’s Super Market, and the beloved Mimma’s Cafe on Brady Street. Joe and Mimma owned and operated Mimma’s Cafe from 1989 to 2017. It became a cornerstone of the community and many credit the café’s warmth and hospitality as a catalyst for the rebirth of the Brady Street neighborhood, a legacy Joe was immensely proud of. He never considered himself retired and was still working for Famous SmokeShop & Cigar Bar in his final days.

Joe was a longtime member of the Italian Community Center and a true legend of Milwaukee’s Eastside. He was well-read, well-informed, and full of stories — he was always ready with a joke and often laughed harder at his jokes than anyone else. Joe was a natural conversationalist and loved to socialize – with his amazing smile and welcoming presence, he was truly the life of the party. Joe had a special place in his heart for animals and absolutely adored his furry “babies.” He also had a deep appreciation for opera.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and siblings and their spouses: Vincent A. (Jackie) Megna, Jennie M. Megna, and Michael S. (Candace) Megna.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mimma; children, Maria R. (Enzo Scarano) Megna and Michael A. (Chris Gostomski )Megna; granddaughter, Haley (Alec) Kehrein; niece and nephew Pamela (Mark) Megna and James (Kathy) Megna; as well as many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He will also be fondly remembered by many good and dear friends, including Lester Fonville, John Piette, and Judy Mijal.

Milwaukee has lost one of its great storytellers. Joe’s love for his family, loyalty, humor, warmth, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he helped shape, the stories he shared, and the countless lives he touched.

Family and friends will gather at Three Holy Women Parish – St. Rita Church, 1617 N. Cass Street on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 9:30 AM until time of the Memorial Mass at 11:30AM. Inurnment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the WI Humane Society or the Milwaukee Rescue Mission are appreciated.

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