Joseph passed away peacefully on September 12th at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marie Louise Cognac, of over 62 years; his 4 children, Christine (Bob) Murphy, Jill (Todd) Culbertson, Joseph “Jay” (Jennifer) Dispensa III, Suzanne (Marty) Marsden-Rempala; 13 grandchildren Joseph (Rachael) Scurto, Jenna (Trent) Dorshorst, Leah (Fiancé Richard) Culbertson, Madeline (Cory) Nuckolls, Andrew Culbertson, Nicole (Jessie) Struthers, Christina Dispensa, Joseph Thomas “J.T.” Dispensa, Anne Marie (Juan) Montes, Michael Marsden Jr., Sarah (Kevin) Pastrano, Maxwell Marsden and Katie Marsden. 9 great-grandchildren J.D. and Jack Scurto, Penelope and Kal Dorshorst, Laney and Leo Pastrano, Vivian, Lena and Juan Jr. Montes. Fond brother of Grace (the late Ray) Fischer, Peter (Mary) and Philip (Teri) Dispensa.

Joseph was a man of many ideas and plans, and he successfully brought most of them to fruition. A longtime parishioner of St. James the Apostle Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, he was known for his generosity, kindness, and dedication to his community.

After earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Northern Illinois University, Joseph embarked on a successful career as a teacher, beginning at the University of Chicago and ultimately retiring from West Leyden High School where he taught in the Industrial Arts program.

Beyond his teaching career, Joseph was a passionate entrepreneur. He owned Dispensa and Son Construction Company, co-owned Papa’s III Bar and Restaurant in Chicago, and was a successful realtor and real estate developer. He was also actively involved in the restoration of downtown Aurora and their annual auto show.

Joseph was a dedicated mentor who touched the lives of countless students and friends. He was a Boy Scout and leader, involved with the YMCA’s Indian Princess program, a confirmation sponsor on multiple occasions, and always had an open door and a warm welcome for those in need.

His hobbies included running marathons, wrestling, swimming, fishing, boating, pheasant hunting, working on cars, gardening, and spending time with his family and pets. He was a skilled gardener, a talented craftsman, and a lover of nature.

Joseph will be remembered for his unwavering love, his infectious smile and laughter, and his enduring spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and a deep appreciation for life.

Visitation Thursday, September 19, 3:30PM to 7:30PM. Funeral Friday, September 20, 9:15 a.m. from Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main Street, Downers Grove, to St. James the Apostle Church 480 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn, mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Arrangements Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, Downers Grove.

Information 630-968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.