Joseph R. Cannizzo,

Died on February 14, 2012, at the age of 71. Beloved husband of 48 years to Karen (nee Unger) and wonderful father to Ross Cannizzo and Rosie (Ralph Lee) Cannizzo. Joe will be loved and missed by other relatives and friends, including cousins, sister-in-law and nieces and nephews.Born and raised in Chicago, Joe graduated from Marquette's Journalism School, served overseas in the army, and returned to live in Milwaukee, his much-loved adopted city. He spent the better part of his career as a news producer at WTMJ-TV, where he relished the fast-paced, irreverent atmosphere of the news room. He loved music, and happily took his family to the symphony and the ballet. He also loved a good meal, and enjoyed exploring all of the city's restaurants, from the swankiest bistro to the lowliest burger joint. Though not a particularly big sports fan, he did get a huge kick out of seeing his Milwaukee Brewers do so well this past season. And he was rarely happier than when he was hosting his annual outing to see the fireworks at the lakefront. Crazy Joe's Fireworks Blow-Out will live on in his honor.The countless hours Joe spent driving his children to and from school, rehearsals and team practice left them with no doubt how much he cared for and supported them. Among the many other gifts he gave them were his high expectations, his pride in their accomplishments, and the example he set in being warm-hearted, funny, open-minded, intellectually curious, and perennially well-informed.Joe adored his wife, and their long marriage is a rare and beautiful example of love in all its messy glory. They cared for each other in ways that most people couldn't dream of. He took immense pride in their partnership and in the family they created together.Joe lived bravely and cheerfully with MS for close to 20 years. His mind and personality remained completely unaffected by the disease, and his family enjoyed his quick wit, his commentary on politics and current events, and even his very corny jokes until his sudden illness two weeks ago. They expected to have him at the head of the table for many more years, and he will be terribly missed.Visitation at St. Bernard Parish (7474 Harwood Avenue) on Friday, February 17, 10:00-11:00 AM. Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM. Interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park to follow. Memorials appreciated to the Hunger Task Force.