Joseph Anthony "J.A." DeIorio III

Joseph Anthony "J.A." DeIorio III, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025 at his home in Ocean Springs surrounded by his most beloved family.

Born on September 17, 1946 in Mangum, Oklahoma to Art & Millie DeIorio, J.A. was the first-born son. He grew up in West Biloxi where he and his younger brother, Steve, were always known to stir up mischief. A good many years later, third child, Patricia Ann, was added to the DeIorio family. J.A. and Steve were always so proud and fiercely protective of their baby sister. The three siblings continued to have an incredibly tight bond throughout their adult lives.

J.A. was always quite proud to share that he served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam era.

Most known for his vivacious, larger-than-life presence with a most infectious smile, J.A. never met a stranger. Somehow, he made everyone with whom he crossed paths feel like long-lost relatives. He was full of life and light; he truly lit up every space he entered. His charm, wit, and love for all people served him well throughout all facets and seasons of his life.

Professionally, J.A. was most known for his hand in his family's business, The Sugar Mill Restaurant and Lounge (& BMX track) in Gulfport, MS. It was a true family affair. J.A. primarily managed the downstairs lounge, while his mother Millie managed the restaurant upstairs. Both his father and brother played music in the legendary Art DeIorio Band; Art on piano and Steve on vocals and bass. J.A. was the essence of an entertainer - mostly at heart, and certainly more in the form of charisma and chatter than on the actual band stand - something his family affectionately loved to tease him about. After nearly two decades, The Sugar Mill closed, and J.A. found himself pursuing a new role in hospitality when he entered the gaming industry. He worked at several casinos along the Gulf Coast, with the majority of his service devoted to The Grand Casino in Biloxi. This is where J.A. would go on to meet his now wife, Liz, along with many endearing friends who naturally became more like family since the casino's opening day in 1994.

J.A. lived a life of adventure in the way of motocross & BMX racing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, golfing, camping, woodworking, just to name a few. He even played a short stint on the semi-professional football team, The Mississippi Buccaneers, in the 1980s. Safe to say there weren't many idle moments in J.A.'s lifetime.

As much as J.A. would shine in all those areas of his life, it was with family he truly radiated. His love and passion for his family were genuinely the core of his existence. As "Pops", "Daddy", "Pop Pop", and "Paw Paw", nothing evoked greater joy or pride than that which came from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In recent years, J.A. had been attending church with his daughter, Brandy, and grandchildren, Jack Henry & Bayla, at Northwood Church of Ocean Springs. J.A.'s face would light up in a new way, with pure joy, when he shared that he had surprisingly found a new sense of family there, too. Of course, this really comes as no actual surprise to anyone else, as that is simply just the classic J.A.-way, making friends and extended family everywhere he went. His presence touched countless lives. J.A. will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mildred DeIorio; father, Arthur Phillip DeIorio; and brother, Steve DeIorio.

Survivors include his loving wife, Elizabeth DeIorio; sons, Chad (Theresia) DeIorio and Richie (Kate) Henry; daughters, Brandy DeIorio and Nicole (David) Butters; sister, Tricia (Rick) Aloi; half-brother, Matthew DeIorio; Bonus Son, Brian Belford; grandchildren, Claudia (Kamren) McLeod, Cherry Ann DeIorio, Chad Anthony DeIorio, Jr., Kylie DeIorio, Morgan DeIorio, Jack Henry Perez, Bayla Perez, and Georgia Grace Butters; great-grandchildren, Magnolia McLeod, Charlotte McLeod, and Roux DeIorio; his 4-legged best friend, Luna; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, November 13th at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Downtown Ocean Springs. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. At 2:30pm a graveside committal with military honors will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery. The family extends a warm invitation to attend to all who knew and loved J.A.

The family would like to express a special heartfelt thank you to the tender, loving care extended by Dr. Allison Wall & her incredible staff, as well as Deaconess Hospice nurse, Stephanie Hauler, RN.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joseph Anthony "J.A." DeIorio III.