Joseph Gondek

September 6, 2010
Joseph Gondek


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Joe “Bumpa” Gondek of Wilmington, NC passed away at home on Monday September 6, 2010.

Bumpa will be missed dearly by his “lifelong date” and best friend Ann, his daughter Kelley and his grandchildren Katie and Davis, along w/ the rest of his family and friends. Joe had a passion for good food and great wine, traveling and music. Ann, Joe and Kelley moved to Wilmington from Rhode Island in 1998 to open up their restaurant, Carolina’s Food and Drink. Anyone who knew Joe knew his unique sense of humor, he was sarcastic but he could make anyone laugh. Joe was wonderful with children, if a child was in the room Joe was talking like Donald Duck, children loved him. We know he is looking down on us with a smile on his face and glass of wine in hand; he will be so very missed, we love you Bump!

I am ready to meet my maker, but whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.
– Winston Churchill

Ann, Kelley and family will be opening their home on Friday, September 10th from 5:30-7:30. Please join us at 615 Caicos Court, to give a final toast and farewell to Joe.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • September 08, 2010
    Robin Walker says:
    I have many great memories of growing up with Joe, from donald duck when I was young, to the many great talks we had right up to my wedding just a few years ago! He will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

  • September 12, 2010
    sarah and peter st laurent says:
    Ann, kelly and family, our deepest sympathy on your loss, love SaraH and Pete

  • September 08, 2010
    Candy and Dalton Denson says:
    Our thoughts, prayers and many humorous memories are with you all! Fine dining was always an adventure when Joe was anywhere close by!

  • September 08, 2010
    Bill and Doris Morris says:
    Ann and Kelley, We are so sorry to hear about Joe. We have lots of good memories from the Carolina days. We miss that place but most of all, we miss you and Joe. We'll keep you all in our prayers. Lots of love to you.

  • September 08, 2010
    Herman Dickens says:
    Joe you will be missed. I will never forget the time you spent trying to teach me all about wine! I'll never listed to david sanborn without thinking about how excited you were when you found out i had the cd pearls. Carolina's was like home to me. Ann and Kelli you are in my prayers. I hope to see you both soon.