Albert "Joe" Salisbury

Albert “Joe” Joseph Salisbury, 67, of Bellaire, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City surrounded by family.  He was born on May 5, 1955, to Albert and Dorothy Salisbury in Traverse City.

Joe had been a long-time resident of Bellaire, and many people will remember his smiling face from behind the counter at Auto Value in Bellaire where he worked for many years.  He enjoyed golfing, watching old westerns on Saturdays, the Hallmark Channel, but nothing more than his beloved Detroit Lions.  All were welcome to his garage where a cold Busch Light was always waiting, as was the redneck seating on all the lawnmowers.  He also liked to listen to Country Gold, dancing around the bonfire, teaching his granddaughters to dance, and was well-known for his famous mac & cheese with lots of Velveeta.

He loved his family more than anything, especially his grandchildren.  He would often get right in the mix with them on the trampoline, racing bikes, and playing the “Ferdinand the bull game”. 

On January 6, 1974, Joe married his best friend and love of his life, Janell (Skiver), who survives.  Also surviving are his two children, Brian (Angela) Salisbury of Traverse City and Tracy (Rob) Milligan of Mancelona; four granddaughters who he lovingly named, M1, Michelle Salisbury, M2, Molly Milligan, M3, Madison Milligan, and M4, Melaine Milligan; a great-grandson, Tyler; and his newest best buddy for the last two years, Daisy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Dorothy Salisbury; two nephews, Jon and Eric; as well as his second family, mother and father-in-law, Forest and Elaine Skiver; brother-in-law, Larry; and niece, Missy.

Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 30 at Fresh Start Wesleyan Church, 108 E Cayuga St., Bellaire, MI 49615.  Visitation will be held on Monday, November 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. as well as 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Janell who will disburse them according to Joe’s wishes.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com