Joe Blango

Joe Nathan Blango, Jr., affectionately known as Jo-Jo, was born April 26, 1953, in Frederick, MD. He was the son of Shirley Elizabeth (Bowie) and the late Joe Nathan Blango, Sr. Joe attended school in Frederick from kindergarten through the eighth grade when his family moved to Philadelphia, PA. There he graduated from Germantown High School.

A few years later Joe returned to Frederick, where he married Terry Jackson. Out of that union two children were born, Darrell and Nasia Blango. During that time, Joe worked for the Frederick Iron & Steel Company and served in the Maryland National Guard before returning to Philadelphia.

In Philadelphia Joe received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Later he was employed by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) where he worked on the transit trains. Joe retired from SEPTA after more than 25 years servicing trains on the streets of Philadelphia.

Joe enjoyed music – even played a little guitar when he was younger. He also loved to cook, especially soul food. Joe a big sports fan, including baseball, basketball, and especially the Philadelphia Eagles.

He leaves to cherish joyous memories his: mother, Shirley Blango of Philadelphia; son, Darrell Blango and his partner, Tasha, of Frederick, MD; daughter, Nasia Blango of Frederick, MD; sisters, Linda Blango of Philadelphia, PA, and Sheila Rutherford (Larry), of Hinesville, GA; brother, Donnie Blango (Edith), of Cheltenham, PA; four grandchildren, Octavia, Makayla, Jordan, and Harmonee; three great-grandchildren, Ejypt, Izrealle, and Elena; aunts, Dorothy Rollins of Frederick, MD, Lucille Bowie of Frederick, MD, and Ruthie B. Styron of North Carolina; close cousin, Gary Rollins; close friends, Romelle Gibson and ex-wife of over 20 years, Karen Washington; eight nieces; nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his: father, Joe Blango, Sr.; and granddaughter, Brianna Blango

In a favorite memory from the first grade, Jo-Jo played the part of the Christmas tree in the school program. With arms stretched out he said: I am the Christmas tree. I am the most important: without me Christmas just wouldn’t be.

Christmas won’t be the same without you, Joe!