Joseph "Joey" Michael Bishop, 63, Gladstone, formerly of Marquette passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, one day after his 63rd birthday, at ALS Townhouse, Gladstone, Michigan. He was born September 8, 1960, in Marquette, Michigan, to Michael Joseph Bishop and Magdalyn "Delaine" Frances (Becker) Bishop, the sixth of their seven children.
Joey’s early years were spent primarily in Marquette, Michigan, with a brief time in Ironwood. He spent the last years of his life in Escanaba and Gladstone.
He started attending special education beginning in 1965, and participated in Special Olympics for many years, once being entrusted with carrying the Olympic torch. He was very proud of the jobs he held after completing his schooling, first at the Work Center near Marquette, working with wood, and later doing recycling work with Lakestate Industries.
Joey was baptized and received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Marquette.
Joey was a very happy guy who loved to laugh. He had a special sense of humor. He made friends wherever he went. He loved music, especially the music he overheard his brothers and sisters playing, and he loved drumming along. He also liked frisbee, basketball, professional wrestling, bowling, bike riding and bingo. He loved going for rides in the car. There wasn’t a fence in the world that could hold him.
He is survived by his siblings, Kathy (Jim) McCarthy, David Bishop, Mary (Mark) Ruge, Timothy (Julie) Bishop, Robert Bishop, and Susan Bishop along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Preceding him in death were his father in 2000, his mother earlier this year, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and both sets of grandparents.
The family is grateful to Gina Starr and the excellent staff at ALS Townhouse for everything they did for Joey and for us, his family. We know Joey loved you all.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph & St. Patrick parish on Wednesday September 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with Fr. Robb Jurkovich officiating. A luncheon will follow Mass in the church parish hall. Joey will be laid to rest next to his parents in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery in St. Ignace, MI.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ray of Sunshine and sent in care of David Bishop, 7281 Lake Bluff 19.4 Rd., Gladstone, MI 49837.
The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Bishop family.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
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"Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family"
-Robert Blalock -
"We were so saddened to learn of Joey's passing. He worked with us at ProServ for a time and he was so sweet. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. - Lori and Bob Bolm"
-Lori Bolm -
"Sending my prayers and sincere caring to the Bishop family. May you all know "the peace that passes all understanding." I met Joey when I volunteered for Special Olympics when I was a student at NMU. I remember he brought joy to everyone around him. May God bless you all! "
-Carol Koski Schwemin -
"Dear Friends, Please accept our condolences on the death of your brother, and our childhood friend, Joey. He truly was a special person. Blessings on your mother and father and all of you, his siblings for loving and caring for him so much. It was nice to read of the things he like to do and his accomplishments. And that's one handsome picture of him! Do take care and I hope our paths will cross again sometime soon. Maybe we could have a football game in Nora's old yard before someone builds a house on it. Love you all, Steve DesJardins "
-Steve DesJardins and Family -
"My condolences to you and your family. Sounds like your brother was a very special person."
-Pat Denome -
"To the Bishop Boys (sorry Kathey, Mary & Susie) but you all have Joey to thank for getting your Dad to build that Basketball Court in the Backyard. Yet it was true that the cyclone fence wasn't enough to keep Joey in the backyard. Bless you all for taking such good care of him. He was loved and gave it back 10 fold! RIP Joey."
-Chris DesJardins
