Joseph G Lemm

Joseph G. Lemm, 45, of West Harrison, NY, died on December 21, 2015 from wounds received in action while serving his country in Afghanistan with the Air National guard. Born August 12, 1970 in Dubuque, IA he was the son of Charles Ronek of Dubuque, IA and Shirley Lemm of Beemer, NE. Joe attended Beemer High School in Nebraska where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball, and track. Joe accomplished everything he strived to achieve.
After High School he enlisted in the Armed Forces serving in the United States Air Force. Promoted to the rank of Technical Sergeant, Joe served three tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the 105th Base Defense Squadron. Throughout his military service he received numerous awards and commendations to include The Purple Heart and he is set to receive The Bronze Star Medal with Valor. In 2000 Joe wanted to continue protecting people by joining The New York City Police Department. A 16-year veteran of law enforcement Joe was a highly decorated New York City Police Officer with 590 arrests. After serving in the 48th Precinct and Bronx Street Crime Unit, Retired First Grade Detective, Danny Rivera, a longtime mentor and friend, inspired Joe to further follow his heart. On December 19, 2014 Joe was promoted to Detective serving as member of the department’s Warrant Squad. Nicknamed “superman” by friends and colleagues Joe was a gentle giant who strived to be the best in whatever he set his mind to. He enjoyed playing basketball, being on his boat, and was a true Philadelphia Eagles fan. He was also an avid hunter, outdoorsman, most of all enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Joe is survived by his wife Christine, daughter Brooke, son Ryan, father Charles (Charlotte) Ronek, mother Shirley Lemm, brother Brian Lemm, mother-in-law Jill DeGuisto, sister-in-law Kim (Travis) Arnette, niece Taylor Arnette and nephew Travis Arnette Jr., Godmother Carmela Fuca, many cousins, aunts, uncles, and numerous friends. Joe was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Karen Ann DeGuisto and friend and fellow Serviceman Staff Sgt. Todd “TJ” Lobraico. Joe would want everyone to celebrate his life listening to rock and roll. We all know Joe is watching us and will be here with us for all ETERNITY. Joe will receive an NYPD Inspector’s funeral with full military honors to be held on Wednesday, December 30th at 10:00AM at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. Interment will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY 10532. Reposing at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 85 Harrison Street, West Harrison, NY 10604 Tuesday, December 29th from 2-5pm and 7-9pm.