Beautiful tribute reflecting ALL that Joe was about!!! He was well loved and will be missed dearly!!! I must say to you Jaqueline… You Did find your Match! To the Boys… Honor your Father each Day by making him Proud as he Loved you and will be watching over you!❤️!… Look for the signs… as they are always there! Peace be with you! Sending hugs🌸

Joe was a man of a few words, from my experience anyway; but maybe that's why his one liners hit harder. His jokes, remarks, complaints, all laced with a hint of wisdom and cheek. Ever the stern face, ever the sparkle in the eyes that betrayed it. It seemed to me he never had to say the quiet things out loud, he embodied it. (Although from some of Nicholas' stories, he could give you earful when he felt like it) One of my fondest memories of Joe is when Nicholas invited me to their bach on Kawau Island, finally being able to try his famed beer battered fish. It's a normal recipe that's well known in any country that does fish and chips. But there was nothing normal about this one. THE best beer battered fish I've ever tasted. He probably knew it tasted good, but you never heard him brag, you only needed to taste. Never had to say the quiet things out loud. What's more is during that night, that dinner with the Mercieca Family huddled around the table with the map of Kawau Island in the centre; I felt welcome. Not as a guest, not as a family friend, but simply just a another mouth to feed. It was then I realized that a quiet ordinary life well lived is an extraordinary one; because I had tasted it. And I will always thank him for that. The world will miss his beer battered fish.

Mercieca family, we are sending you all our love. Joe was such a special man, with a wonderful smile, and we have so many happy family memories with him. Thank you for the love you always showed our family, Joe xx

Joe was the one dad we were scared of as kids, and rightly so. We gave him plenty of reasons to think we were up to no good. From my first drinking experience, when I kept him up all night throwing up in the tent, to starting fights on the football field, and almost sinking his boat, (though I do not think he ever knew about that.) As we got older, I realized it was never really fear. It was respect. Joe was a good, honest man who did not tolerate our nonsense and who always looked out for us. He set a standard by the way he carried himself and by the way he treated people. One of my favorite memories of Joe came after a parking lot altercation. After being parked in, he took the time to educate Nicholas and me on how to deal with bad drivers. It is a moment I have never forgotten. Joe was tough, fair, and dependable. The lessons he taught have stayed with us. He will be remembered and missed.

Joe had a great sense of humour and you knew it because whenever he spoke to you he had that cheeky smile. Heartfelt condolences from the wimbrows x

So many adventures from the past nearly 50yrs, from Perth, Broken Hill, Sydney & NZ,you’ve always been a wonderful friend. Your one amazing guy, with that fabulous sense of humour & the best smile ever. My heart breaks & Ill miss you terribly. To Jacque & the boys, your husband & father will never be forgotten. RIP to one very special man who has touched so many lives.🌹

So many memories flood my mind when I think of Joe! My cousin's wonderful and loving husband. Adam, Nicolas and Luke's devoted Father, funny, adventurous, handyman and a great brother-in-law to Malcom and Graham. One memory that always comes to mind is the story of the Purchase of the BBQ! My Mom and I had come for a visit to New Zealand and were staying with Jacque and Joe for a week before we drove south on what would be my Mom's last visit. On the first morning I saw Graham and Joe hovering over the table. I wasn't sure at that moment what they were doing but I could see that they were absolutely 100% engrossed in what they were perusing. I think I said good morning but it wouldn't have made any difference, I could have said anything at that point and I wouldn't have made either of them budge from the table. I proceeded to make a cup of coffee and sit back to watch and listen to the show! So, the morning newspaper had arrived and in it there were adds for various BBQ's on sale. Both guys were very keen on getting a new one to have out on Kawau but WHICH BBQ was the question. They were at polar opposite sides in terms of what BBQ was needed. Graham wanted something more grandiose with various BBQ options while Joe thought something more basic would suffice. Well, these two "brothers," hashed it out. The bantering between them was hilarious to Jacque and I but we were able to contain our smiles and laughter not to interrupt the two of them. This went on for quite some time before they both agreed, at about the time that the shops opened, that they'd go have a look. Within minutes were out the door heading off to BBQ shop. They returned undecided and empty-handed. I never did know which BBQ they settled for but my guess would be something in the middle. I will miss Joe and the sparkle in his eyes, his endless smile, his sarcasm and just about everything about him. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Joce

Cousin Joe, I will never forget the moment you came to Gozo from overseas to walk me down the aisle at my wedding with Mario. You will be missed, one of my closest cousins. Joe had a heart of gold, always ready to help whoever is in need. You will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace. Mario and Lina from Gozo

To my beautiful cousin Joe ,we will miss you deeply and always treasure all the fun times we had growing up as kids,and our lovely phone conversations .You always have been a special cousin in our lives and we will never forget you. GOD BLESS.Cousin Mary and Peter.

If you looked up the definition of a Good, Decent, Generous Bloke, the answer you would find is Joe Mercieca. We are honoured to have been able to share a small part of your life over the years. Our deepest condolences to Jacque and the Boys. RIP Joe. Ann & Phil

Jacque.....Boys........ You have lost your husband....mate....dad....best buddy and for this we are truly sorry. Joe was an exceptional human being. Seems man needs to climb the highest mountain ..........dive the deepest ocean or some other meaningless feat to be considered great in this shallow old world in which we live. Joe's quiet humble spirit lifted him so much higher It has been a humbling privilege to have witnessed the strength and grace with which he faced what little of the adventure he had left. He will be fondly rememberedfor the rest of our adventure. Our love Brian and Lindsay

What fun we had doing the Milford Trek together. Though this day was a wet one most of the trip was dry and beautiful. We spent lots of time laughing and enjoying the beauty all around us. It was a grand experience. You have gone on to a more incredible place Joe. You will be missed terribly but know the life you led, you led well .

Goodbye old friend. The memories go back over 50years ago are still as clear as when they happened, and bring a smile to my face

One of life's genuine good-guys and a very good mate. We were lucky to have you as part of our lives. This photo reminds us how much fun we had with you - 2am in the morning, making a birthday cake for my 7 yr old daughter!

Our wonderful friend of many many years... we miss your checky smile. An awesome husband to Jac and a fantastic dad to the boys. Hope you and Johnpa are out there fishing somewhere.