Joseph A. Zephries, 20, of Huntley, died January 8, 2024 after injuries sustained in an accident.
Joseph was born August 18, 2003 the son of Steven and Laura Zephries. Joey loved to help people, he went out of this way to help others: in grade school he helped a couple of kids in separate incidences when they were really struggling. He also in the fifth grade gave a speech on bulling, that’s the kind of kid he was. He graduated from Huntley High School in 2021. Joey from an early age had a love and knowledge of cars. So much so that he was the founder, owner and president of Spade Society, LLC. Home of the largest weekly automotive show in the United States. He also worked for USIC Company. He was so full of life. He was motivated, enthusiastic and always had big dreams which he knew he could accomplish. Joey always put others before himself, always willing to listen, to teach, he was a born leader. He had a laugh that was contagious and could light up the room with his smile and kind heart. Joey was a loving son, brother, grandson, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him. We Will miss you! We love you Big Bro Love! Life will be very difficult without you, our dreams are shattered. Rest in peace our celebrity.
He is survived by his parents, Steve and Laura Zephries, his “Little Bro”, Tony Zephries, his girlfriend, Angelina Madrid, his Grandpa James (Elizabeth Binger) Mitzel, aunts and uncles, Joanne and Frank Viggiano and Uncle Scott (Lynn) Zephries.
Joey was preceded in death by his Nonni (Patricia) Mitzel and Grandma Mez and Grandpa Zephries by his aunt Cindy.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 3-8pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10am at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral,com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
I was privileged to know Joey. I encountered firsthand his concern and his kindness. This kid lit up a room, and I was always so happy to see him at Jewel. He had a spark for conversation and a warm heart for everyone he encountered. The world is less bright without him. My deepest condolences and my most heartfelt prayers to his family and friends.
so sorry to hear, worked with him at Jewel for a little while. he seemed like a very good person. My condolences to the family and everyone he was close with
To the family of Joe and all that loved him. My deepest condolences. I will always remember Joe as being the life and conversationalist at the bon fires at Eric and Emilys house. He could always make a person smile! May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you all.
My deepest condolences to the family. I pray God comforts you guy's during this difficult time ❤️
What an amazing son. Your heart's are broken. God will be your refuge.
It is with my deepest sympathy I send as you remember your loved one Joseph. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers during this tough time.
God Bless you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
It is with my deepest sympathy I send as you remember your loved one Joseph. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers during this tough time.
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe about a year and a half ago. Even though that much time has passed, it feels like we last spoke yesterday. He was determined, hardworking, bright, and selfless. I was blown away by how successful a person could be at 19, balancing a job at jewel and his own business at such a young age. He’d tell me about how he defended the young workers at jewel from being mistreated by other managers, he really had a big heart. He was always so full of energy and had a great sense of humor. Going to jewel now is difficult, but its also comforting because it keeps the memories of him alive. This young man was loved by so many, and his light will never be forgotten.
I spent so many long days and nights with Joe helping run security at his Spade Society meets, and even just exploring and traveling with him. We competed in karate in the same club from a young age, but didn’t get close until cars brought us together. So many fun meets, events, and memories traveling to Arizona multiple times to explore and even filming with the Phoenix Suns when invited. The smile and excitement on Joe’s face when the staff brought us through security early to the tunnels was unforgettable. Joe was always so selfless and would go out of his way to help when possible. Kinda like the time when we blew the transmission in a GMC Acadia and got stuck in a Chicago parking garage at 3am, and Joe took it upon himself to be the first to get out and push the car out of the garage since we had no gears. He was always such an amazing friend and positive person, and I’ll never forget the impact he left on me or others. There’s so many more memories I could share but we would be here forever. Love you brother, rest easy.
To know him was a great thing to coach him in baseball was a honor, joey was always respectful, polite and a great all around kid I'm so so sorry
I was glad to meet Joey as he worked with me at jewel osco in SCHUAMBURG when he got transferred from Huntley. Joe was a big heart, talented guy that meant a lot to me. I remember always talking with him about his now bmw that he ordered and how much he loves that car. Now Joey you can fly and do burnouts on heaven. Joe all of us at the jewel crew in Schaumburg love you and miss Brodie. Fly High Joe
Dearest Steve. My heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful son. May God’s blessings be with you.
To Joey's family, Angelina & the many people that loved him, you have our deepest sympathy. Joey was the epitome of all things good. A kind, generous, compassionate friend to all. His bright light will not be extinguished- it will live on in the hearts of those that love and honor him. Rest in peace Joey in the arms of our Lord.
So incredibly sorry. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.
This hurts my heart. I worked with Joe at Pub 47. Though it was a short time, Joe made an impact. The world lost a great person. My deepest condolences to friend & Family. I hope God looks after you in your time of grief.
When Joe helped out with the younger, lower belts in karate, he took my son under his wing. He was always so kind, patient, warm and joyful. He had a huge impact on my son’s confidence. My condolences to his family, friends and all who loves him.
I had the privilege to work with Joe at the Schaumburg Jewel. He was kind, friendly, very easy going person. I really enjoy working with him the short time before getting transferred to another Jewel. Rest in Peace Joe. You will be missed by many.
Joe was a great human being he was kind to everyone and loved by everyone he will be missed by many taken to soon rest is peace joe you where an amazing human being
Sincere condolences to your family. The world has lost one of the most genuine kids we had the pleasure of knowing. You will be missed. May you rest easy in gods arms .
He was nice to me in high school when nobody else was
We are heart broken and words cannot express our sadness for the loss of our very kind and loving, Joey.
I knew Joe for a short time , he was my first friend &’ also introduced me to many others who became family , he made me a security guard for spade &’ it was honestly a honor to work along side Joe , the kid was amazing at what he did &’ helping others get past a rough time , he was always a call away , he could light up as room the moment he walked in with his contagious laugh &’ hilarious humor , my condolences to his family you will be in my thoughts a prayers , he will truly be missed by everyone.
Dear Steve, My sincere condolences go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
I am so very sorry for the loss of Joe. I worked with him at Jewel in Huntley. He was always a very friendly and ambitious man. Wiser beyond his years and now I understand that je was only on loan to this Earth. Thank you for sharing his Spirit with the World. If there is anything my family can do, please feel free to let me know. RIP my friend.
Oh Steve, my heart is shattered for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences to Joe’s family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was in karate with my son, Logan, and they remained friends throughout high school and beyond. I loved when Joe came over to the house, as he was so enthusiastic and positive. I loved seeing him at Jewel, as he would always come up to me and start a conversation. My heart breaks for his family, as I know what a special young man he was. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Deep sympathy for family and friends of Joey Praying for God to comfort you all ❤️
I met Joe at my son’s birthday party and I thought what a great young man. My son, (who was friends with Joe) and my family are heart broken over his loss. We are praying for his family and friends
To the family and friends of Joe. Joe was always such a nice guy. I really enjoyed going to his car meets with my boyfriend. He made everyone feel appreciated for coming to his car shows. I remember how he would shake mine and my boyfriends hand at every meet and thank us for coming out. He truly had a warm heart and welcomed everyone in. He definitely left a vast impact on the community with all of his charity meets as well as his kind soul. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
My deepest condolences to Joe's family, friends, and fellow car enthusiasts. I had the pleasure of meeting Joe at the Chicago Auto Show last year, and we'd chat on Facebook farily often. We were even planning to meet up for a dinner this year after the Auto Show! He was one of the most supportive people I've had the pleasure of meeting, and would always go out of his way for others! You were a real one, Joe! You are and will always be deeply missed! Race In Paridise
My heart goes out to your family. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I was just a costumer at the Jewel he worked at. I knew there was something special about this kid. He had this energy that when you talked to him, you wanted more. You wanted to be around him because he made you feel better. I wished my girls could meet a boy like him (they’re both his age). I happen to be in the store on his last day working there. I was sad to see him leave. I remember thinking, hope you meet a lot of people in your life. I hope you touch as many people as you can. I never thought someone with so much to give, could be taken. You wonder what we’re all put on this earth to do. Well, now we know what his reason was. He just wasn’t here long enough. I hope the people that know him will continue his acts of kindness and positive energy. Stay strong today. ❤️
My deepest condolences to Joe’s family. Joe was such a wonderful person and it was a pleasure to have known him since he was 5 years old and to be his neighbor. He was a good spirit and always such a happy/positive person. He’s going to be deeply missed.
My heart is so heavy to hear about Joey. He was such a kind young man and I enjoyed talking with him when he worked at the Huntley park district teaching karate and then again when I would see him at Jewel. You raised an incredible son and should be very proud of him! Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers and Joey will forever hold a special place in my heart! All my best, Kathy
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Joey. May God comfort you during this very difficult time as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful young man.
My heart is shattered. Saying goodbye at the services was something I never could have prepared myself for. Joey was my best friend in early elementary school, and always greeted me with genuine care and kindness as we grew into young adults. To Mr. and Mrs. Zephries, Angelina, and everyone else sharing in this grief in their own ways, my hearts go out to you. I’m praying for you. May God bless and love you.
My heart is shattered. Saying goodbye at the services was something I never could have prepared myself for. Joey was my best friend in early elementary school, and always greeted me with genuine care and kindness as we grew into young adults. To Mr. and Mrs. Zephries, Angelina, and everyone else sharing in this grief in their own ways, my hearts go out to you. I’m praying for you. May God bless and love you.
My heart is shattered. Saying goodbye at the services was something I never could have prepared myself for. Joey was my best friend in early elementary school, and always greeted me with genuine care and kindness as we grew into young adults. To Mr. and Mrs. Zephries, Angelina, and everyone else sharing in this grief in their own ways, my hearts go out to you. I’m praying for you. May God bless and love you.
Love you Joe. Rest easy buddy