Joseph H. Livingston, 61, of New Milford departed this earthly life at 6:20 p.m. on May 18, 2012, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 14, 1950 in Rockford, son of Ivan and Nina (Barker) Livingston Sr., he lived his whole life in Rockford. Joe was confirmed as a young man at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He grew up fishing, hunting and loving nature. He founded Rock Valley Die Sinking, Inc. in 1975 and it remains a thriving business today. Joe was a world traveler, going anywhere his heart desired, especially loving Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Wine Lake Camp in Canada. In addition to being an avid scuba diver taking 100+ dives, which he displayed in his hobby of underwater picture taking, he was a passionate walleye fisherman, so much so that after a year of going to Wine Lake Camp, he had an island named after him – Walleye Joe's Island. Another passion for Joe was watching the birds that would come to his porch. He always marked the first sighting of the hummingbirds every year on his calendar. He loved attracting his Orioles and Yellow Finches. Joe was an award winning pigeon flyer and handler and traveled to England and South Africa for Million Dollar races. He cherished the friendships he made over the years while being involved in pigeon flying. Joe was a member of East Rockford Pigeon Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles #392, Blackhawk Athletic Club and PADI Diving Society. Joe said himself he had a "very blessed life" and felt very fortunate to have such a tight knit family. His children and grandchildren brought him so much joy. A wonderful father, grandfather, brother and friend, he is survived by his 5 children: Joseph (Melanie), Carrie (John) Luxem, Keith, Hope Swanson and Traci (Marcell Sr.) Black and 14 grandchildren. Brothers, Ivan, Vince (Alice), Richard (Cindy) and sister Joyce (Donald) Poshka, lifelong best friend Tom (Sherita) Morgan and girlfriend Penny Verkuilen. There are so many special people that touched Joe's life, and he loved them all and they were always in his heart. Special thanks to the OSF cancer center, Dr. Sreenivasappa, nurses and his "Swedish girlfriend" Lesha. An extra special thank you to Renae and the staff at Heartland Hospice. There is a special place in heaven for all of you. Joe is predeceased by parents, sister (Mary Sommers), two nephews "Little Ivan" Livingston and Brian Poshka, and sister-in-law Betty Livingston. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4620 20th St. Rockford, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Ralph Kuespert will officiate. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.graceFH.com .