02/25/2021
Joe INKWELL Distasio passed away on August 20, 2012
Joe was the most loveable madman. He was the Original BEATNIK, just being associated with the Inkwell made you feel cool. He was one of a kind and we will all miss him and the times we had through our rights of passage into adulthood.
The INKWELL was Rock and Roll History, more than 200 great musicians and artists called the Inkwell their home.
His Obituary and his friends thoughts
Joseph K. Distasio, 79, passed away on Monday, Aug. 20, 2012 at Northwest Hospital in Tucson, AZ.
Born in Reading in 1933, he was the son of the late Joseph and Irene (Kacsur) Distasio, and the brother of the late Anthony Distasio.
He is survived by his nephew, Ric Distasio of Arizona; and his niece Debbie (Distasio) Price of California; and by his many friends and relatives in Reading and elsewhere.
He was a 1952 graduate of Reading Senior High School.
Joe owned a restaurant in Long Branch, NJ for most of his adult life. After retiring, he moved to Long Beach, CA, and finally, to Tucson, AZ.
Joe loved having grown up in Reading and had many fond memories and a great bunch of lifelong friends there. He will be missed.
Published by Reading Eagle on Aug. 26, 2012.
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23 people REMEMBER JOE INKWELL
A legend at the New Jersey Shore -- The INKWELL was a happening place in the 60's and 70s. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN sang:
"Went down to the WELL to get my fill" a tribute in lyrics to Joe & The INKWELL.
Many artists met 'Joe Inkwell' at this all nite cafe in the West End of Long Branch, NJ. This coffeehouse was immortalized in song; JOE was loved by all at the NJ Shore, musicians, artists, patrons, employees and friends.
Joe once confided in me his pride about a recipe he brought to the NJ Shore for 'Sour Cream Apple Pie' when I worked with him as assistant doorman 'seater & greeter'.
Great to have been a friend..,
Ray Miller
September 7, 2012..................
High on the list of the top 10 most influential people in my life is Joseph Distasio. He saw potential in me and through the Inkwell taught me to take responsibility and , to quote him ,
" Be the bottom line in a situation " -- To take a job and see it through from start to finish.
The Inkwell was family for many of us who passed through it's doors. Joe was the undisputed patriarch.
At the end of the day he proved to be a great positive influence.
He was the impetus for many who moved on from that " weigh station in life" to bigger and better things
Thank you Joe. I couldn't have done it without you.
George Cook
September 8, 2014...
Working at the Inkwell helped get me through Monmouth College. Went to work for Joe for a weekend and stayed for years. Being with Joe "at the door", with the towel on my shoulder, him wearing his signature sandals and shorts winter or summer...many good stories. He and Barbara were generous to a fault. He threw me a batchler party at his place... Years later, didn't have the heart to tell him when I went to work for the IRS, thought it would kill him... He was very unique individual and it was pleasure to know him. Rest in piece Joe.
Jeff Miller
July 19, 2014....
I worked for Joe on and off for many years starting at the Espresso House in Asbury Park two years before the Inkwell opened. He was like a father to me . A very generous man with his own unique way of dealing with the world. He was truly one of a kind--I believe anyone who worked for him would agree. My days living and working at the Inkwell were and always will be some of the best years if my life. Joe showed me how to be free and always be myself. SeeYa Joe.
Bill Asman
June 16, 2014......
Sad to hear another Shore Legend has gone to be with the Angels. A delightful man. He gave us many fun times at the Old Inkwell in our heydays. Thanks for the memories RIP Joe
September 24, 2013
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I worked for Joe while attending Monmouth College. Joe was a very generous to his employees. He was outrageously funny, serious and sincere. He was one of a kind. I have awesome memories of those days! I am sorry that I did not get a chance to say hello again, but I am happy I had a place to say goodbye.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Joe .........Your memories live on!
Simone Montanti
September 22, 2013....
I worked for Joe while attending colleg. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for him. Joe was very generous to his employees, outrageously funny, serious and sincere. I am sorry I did not get a chance to say hello again but I am happy I found him here to say goodbye. My sincere condolences to his family.
Joe.....Your memories live on!
Simone Montanti
September 22, 2013
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Keeping the "JOE INKWELL" legend alive!
Ray Rokkstone Houston Miller
September 20, 2013
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Joe was the most loveable madman I have ever encountered. He was the original beatnick, just being associated with the Inkwell made you feel cool. He was one of a kind and we will all miss him and the times we had through our rights of passage into adulthood.
Jim Peschek
October 16, 2012
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You cannot put into words the type of unique person Joe was. If you worked for him at the Inkwell you truly know what I mean. God rest your soul Joe....
Michael Phillips (Pikulik)
October 15, 2012,,..
Joe INKWELL kept many of us fed and off the streets. As he would say, "This is just a weigh station in life". He provided a safe place for us to meet, talk and of course have a cup of coffee. Who will ever forget the open 2 pound pepper container under the stairway, just in case. I will always feel the red and white table cloth on my shoulder. "Table for how many ?"
God Bless you JoeJoe Trammell
October 12, 2012
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Joe was one of a kind. He was an institution! He influenced generations of Monmouth College (University) students. I'm sure he knew the girls were feeding Bruce (Springsteen) in his lean years but let it go. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another Inkwell. A very unique business plan indeed. Joe will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family
Michael MacCloskey
October 12, 2012....
I knew Joe as a friend and employer for at least 20 years, no I guess longer. His active departure from his creation The Inkwell was immediately apparent and missed. Whenever I'm at home and flick a dish towel over my shoulder when I'm in the kitchen I can't keep but smile at the antics we all shared.Take care,Joe.
Joe McHugh
September 24, 2012
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The Inkwell was a haven for artsy kids like me - trying to pass for beatnik in the pre-hippie years in Jersey suburbia/shore.
Thanks, Joe, for giving us a place to feel a little more at home in our weirdo skins.
September 23, 2012......
Wow..the legend of West End..he lives on in many hearts..great memories are spoken every day. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Judy Woods Fix
September 22, 2012
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Thank you all so much for the well wishes and condolences. Joe was a great guy.
Ric Distasio
September 7, 2012
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I am so sorry to hear of my cousin's passing. I remember him when I was a little girl when we visited Uncle Joe and Aunt Irene, especially at Christmas. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Francine Gieringer Gallagher, oldest grandchild of Teresa Distasio Mastrolia.
September 7, 2012
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Love from all Joe's friends at The Inkwell & the NJ Shore
May his family & friends find peace in their hearts
Song those songs about The Inkwell for Joe!
Ray Miller
September 7, 2012
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So sorry to read of my cousin Joe's passing. I will always remember our family times with Uncle Joe and Aunt Irene.I remember him also as a entrepreneur in Reading business. Sorry we all lost some contact with our nice family. My mother was Teresa Distasio Mastrolia, sister of Uncle Joe. My sisters are Mary Mastrolia Gieringer and Louise Mastrolia Masano. Always thought of Debbie and Ric and Toto and Luana in Ca. Sincere and heartfelt thoughts to you all.
Carol Mastrolia Bubnis,
Wyomissing, Pa (Reading, Pa.)
September 6, 2012..........................
Rico and Debbie, I and my brother Emerick are sorry to learn of cousin Joe's passing. My brother shared a story about visiting Joe at the restaurant in NJ. I remember him visiting us at the grocery store. He and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank Distasio
September 5, 2012
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I have pleasant memories of Joe when he owned the coffee shop on North Sixth Street. He was an upbeat and outgoing guy. Rest in Peace, Joe.
MaryEllen Maxymillian
August 28, 2012
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joe and i were good friends in high school days a good guy
Matteo Parisi
PHOTO CREDIT -- Joe McHugh who worked at the Inkwell for 15 years.
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