This is a picture of local legend Joe Giarmo. Joe has been around awhile (93 years) and he’s done and seen so many interesting things in his sojourn here. I’ve known Joe for over 40 years. We both worked at the local Ford plant as skilled tradesmen, but became good friends after Joe’s wife Dorthy passed away.
Joe was a boxer and boxing coach for over 60 years. He has trained 100’s of local boys the fine art of pugilism. His “boy’” have won many a golden glove title, regional honors, and state championships. Several even won national titles, and more than a few entered the professional ranks. Todd Riggs, who now coaches at “Joe’s Boxing Club,” was one of Joe’s students that fought professionally. Joe’s fighters trademark is the left hook. To this day Joe can throw a hay-maker of a left hook.
I don’t know how many readers have been following this seasons “Contender” series on television, but Rico Hoye trained for awhile with Joe. The series has him being from Detroit, but he’s a local boy. I think he’s going to end up the runner up on the series. Also you will note the picture of Muhammad Ali behind Joe, along with numerous other declarations, awards, and honors. Monroe hosted a big celebration in Joe’s honor several years ago, and I contacted the Ali compound, in Berrian Springs Michigan. Joe had once been chosen as a trainer for the boxing Olympic tryouts in California. It just so happened that a brash young man named Cassius Clay was one of the fighters that Joe rubbed down, and got to know. Muhammad Ali remembered Joe and sent the signed picture along with a congratulatory letter.
Joe has been learning how to use the computer, and right now he’s writing his memoiors. Trust me when I say his life would make a great movie. I stopped by to see him last week and took a picture of him on his P.C. at his “work station!” I’ll try and post that picture. Joe is one of a kind, and it’s my honor and prividledge to have him as a friend.
Oh I almost forgot, but two years ago Joe was honored by Monroe’s African American community with the Martin Luther King Service Award. Joe still visits the gym and encourages the young fighters with a hug and and a few pointers. Times have changed over the years, as you’ll even see young women tying on the gloves, but Joe’s dedication to the young people of Monroe has made him “A Man for all Seasons.”
