Joseph Richard Laib, 56, 207 Ferndale Rd., Salisbury, died May 10, 2014 at Novant Rowan Regional Medical Center following a stroke. Born June 12, 1957 in Albany, NY to the late Paul B. and Joyce Watkin Laib, he moved to Parsippany, NJ. Graduating from Parsippany HS in 1975, he completed his graphic illustration program from Spectrum School of the Arts in 1979.

Joe worked for Sir Speedy Printing, in Parsippany, NJ, until moving to Salisbury in 1996, joining Quick Copy Print Shop. Most recently, he was a chef with Food Express at Freightliner and at Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant in Spencer.

Joe shared his love for cooking and baking with his coffee social ministry at Sacred Heart Catholic Church every Sunday and church events, where he was also a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He also volunteered with the Hornet’s Nest Girl Scout Council as an archery and camp kitchen trainer and the Rowan District as a Girl Scout co-leader with his former wife, Theresa.

Surviving him are his daughter, Brianna Lauren Laib, Lexington, son Timothy Joseph Laib and granddaughter Harper Ann Laib, Salisbury, sister Ellen Ali, Denver, Colorado, brothers John (Linda) Laib, Grand Prairie, Texas and Paul Laib, Rockaway, NJ, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 1 PM at Sacred Heart. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rowan Helping Ministries or Good Shepherd Clinic.

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury and Charlotte is assisting the Laib family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.