Joseph Anthony Lorenzo

Joseph Anthony Lorenzo "Joey" passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, the evening of Monday, September 11, 2017, after a brief-yet erce-battle with cancer. Throughout his life, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, and "Nonno" to his ve grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Joe was born on December 07, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah to parents Joseph R. Lorenzo and Angeline
DiPietro Lorenzo. He was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah by his Italian American parents who taught him to work hard and follow his dreams. Immediately following his graduation from Skyline High School in 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, where he served dutifully and made life long connections. In 1966 Joe moved to Los Angeles to study interior design at Woodbury College. It was here, during this glorious time of his life, that he met the love of his life, Nancy Cumming. Joe married Nancy, his soul mate and life- long partner, on January 27, 1968, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Los Angeles. Their marriage spanned nearly 50 years.
Joe and Nancy would return to Utah in the early 1970's in order for Joe to complete his education at the University of Utah and raise their family. His entire family was so proud when Joe received his Masters of Architecture degree in 1980. His education launched him into a successful career as an architect. After working at the rms Gillies Stransky, and Edwards & Daniels Architects, Joe followed his heart and opened a studio of his own: JAL Architects. For the next 25 years, he sketched, designed, and masterminded numerous homes, churches, and other buildings throughout the Wasatch Front. Joe's skillful work and thoughtful, modern designs will live on for others to enjoy for years to come. Joe was an Emeritus member of the American Institute of Architects.
In addition to his love for his family and architecture, Joe loved the Lord. Together, Joe and Nancy served the Lord through weekly "Friday Night Bible Studies" in their home, and through the Fire Fighters for Christ tape ministry. They also worshiped the Lord at Calvary Chapel of Salt Lake. When not busy with his family, work, or service, Joe (with Nancy at his side) was fascinated with and had a great love for the American West and Native American Art and Culture. Joe was always a cowboy at heart.
Our family extends a sincere thank you to the staff at St. Mark's Hospital, as well as Caring Senior Services of Midvale and Millcreek Hospice for the loving care they provided Joe in his home during his last months.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Nancy; son Seth (Annette) Lorenzo, daughter Arianne (Randy) Rutherford, and son Nicholas (Elizabeth) Lorenzo; son-in-law, Robert McNally; his grandchildren, who he loved and adored: Lily and Jacob Rutherford, and Ophelia, Lucas, and Finn Lorenzo; nephews Ian (Diana) McNally and Aaron McNally; his faithful dog, Kibo; and many cousins from his large Italian family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Angeline Lorenzo, father, Joseph Lorenzo, and his beloved sister Rosemarie Lorenzo McNally.
A gathering in his honor will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Calvary Chapel at 460 West Century Drive (Murray, Utah) on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 12:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.