Joseph Thomas Congema, age 86 of Leland passed peacefully Friday July 5, 2024 at Novant NHRMC surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 8, 1937 in Queens NY son of the late Vincent and Rose Congema. He was also predeceased by his wife, Frances Congema and grandson, Joseph John Paul Congema.

He is survived by two sons, Vincent Congema and wife Karen of Leland and Joseph Congema of Burgaw; daughter, Joanne Hamilton and husband Don of Wilmington; nine grandchildren, Ross Hamilton, Ryan Hamilton, Dean Hamilton, Nicholas Congema, Julianne Martin, Marianne Choufani, Maria Congema, Lucy Congema and Regina Congema; two great grandchildren, Seven Hamilton and Kolbe Martin; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe loved to make people laugh. He had no filter and was the life of the party. Joe was always there if you needed him, and he was never afraid to tell you the truth. He absolutely loved the fifties and Frank Sinatra music. Joe adored his family and like most Italian men he loved to eat. He enjoyed tinkering in the yard landscaping and building things. He enjoyed his cars until he drove his last car into the pond.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 AM Friday July 12, 2024 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Reverend Father Roger Molonda will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Catholic Church Cemetery.