I only managed to meet Joe once on a visit to Rapid City but, I'll remember him forever. Joe was a great guy. My condolences go out to Fran, Jay, John, Nancy, Travis and all of the rest of the family.

Mr. C was a North Side legend. Getting to 7th grade I remember hoping to be in his core. My mom (Lisa Walenta) had him and was friends with his son and all the older kids talked about his class being the coolest. Although I didn't get him as a teacher, he was my coach and my locker was next to his classroom. What I came to understand was that he cared about us as people first. We had to have B's or better to play on his team or be a manager. Our homework had to be done on time and he checked in on our studies. We were expected to have good behavior and he had no problem calling us out and having a heart to heart albeit in a stern way about having respect for ourselves and carrying the reputation of North Rapid. He'd make us run ladders laugh and shake his head but we knew he cared and helped us think bigger than ourselves. His humor was infectious and his laughter filled the halls. He impacted so many lives for the better. I am so grateful I got to experience Mr. C's excellence. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. He was one of the greats!

So sorry to hear Mr C. passed away. He was my teacher at North Jr. High. Prayers to his family and friends.

I am very saddened to hear of Mr. C's passing. So many fond memories of him as my teacher. Was always so happy and positive. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Sheila Miller-Roberts

Dad, I'm already missing you. I've always been proud to be your son and I will cherish my memories of you forever! I love you DAD ❤️

He was a good teacher! Condolences and prayers for the family.

Sending love and prayers to Mr. C's entire family and friends. There isn't anything more I can say about him that everyone hasn't already said. He too, was one of my favorite North Junior High teachers. I always remember the look and laugh he gave if you asked for a "hall pass" to your locker. He knew, but he always trusted you anyway. 🙂 You will never be forgotten Mr. C, as you made an impact on all of us!!

Jay, John, Fran and family, Mr. C was an amazing teacher, coach mentor and as someone mentioned earlier, counselor to many of us. His laugh was contagious and he made learning fun! The impact he had on the you in this city cannot be measured or put into words. He was truly one of the good guys and will be missed by all whose lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mr. C, he was one of the best teachers I ever had at North Middle School. His charisma was uncanny. Thank you for sharing him with us. It was always great seeing him as an adult, he always remembered us. He's a real one. I send prayers of strength and for his journey

I considered Joe a true friend, a colleague, father figure and an amazing mentor to me early in my career. He was righteous and had a heart of gold. He held true purpose, always standing up and fighting for what was right in this world. Whenever he and I would speak, his love and devotion for family was forever evident. He was an amazing teacher. Not only did he know his subject matter extremely well, but somehow he knew how to find ways to teach life lessons to young lives that needed it the most. Joe had the most beautiful God given gift. It was his ability to care about others. Just speaking to him you'd quickly realize how grounded, honest and humble he was. He made you feel like family because he treated you as such. It is no wonder so many of us mourn his loss. A man of high integrity who touched so many of our lives. And because of it, we are so much better for it. God smiles as He hears that wonderful infectious and joyous laugh of yours. Telling beautiful stories about your love for family and baseball. God bless you Joe. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Mr. C was one of my favorite teachers at North Jr. High. In 7th grade he convinced me to be a student manager to help him with the basketball team. He was a great mentor. I loved seeing him around the ball fields when I moved on to high school. He had the best stories to make social studies interesting. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Sending my prayers and condolences to Frannie and the rest of the family I love y'all. Mr.C held many titles throughout my life. Father figure, confidant,teacher and coach. Some of our best conversations took place during infield practice. I was the catcher on many of his teams. The lessons I learned from those conversations have guided me throughout my life. I will always be grateful and thankful for his support, guidance and encouragement. Julius Day

Mr. C was my basketball coach and teacher at North. He was the absolute best, he had a passion for coaching and teaching and will always be remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Joseph Cersosimo, my grandfather was an amazing man. I'll miss long stories and lesson of baseball to remembering the years he would visit us in Texas to play marbles. The deep chuckle to the big smile. I am grateful and proud to call him Grandpa Joe! -Nicolas Cersosimo, Lee Cersosimo, & Austin Cersosimo

Mr. Cersosimo, We will always remember u, our 7th grade Teacher, May u Rest in Heaven, ♡

I was in his class 1973, Mr. C was a solid teacher. One to remember. Melodie Silva.

Mr. C taught social studies and coached basketball my 8th grade year in Edgemont. So, I guess 67. I idolized the man and thought he would live forever. Sincerest condolences to the family.

I am deeply saddened to hear about Joe's passing. He was an exceptional person and led an exceptional life. I will always remember him as Mr. C and the love of Fran's life. He was a dedicated teacher who was loved by so many students. I recall many students stopping by his classroom to say hi when class periods changed or just to hang out at the end of the day. He was approachable, warm and interested in every student which is rare. His impact on the lives of those he touched will always be remembered and cherished. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with Fran and all of Joe's family during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you shared together and the legacy he leaves behind. Teri

Growing up on the Northside and going to North Junior High I had Mr. C as a teacher. He was one of my favorite teachers. His passion for teaching and his caring for his students, as well as his tremendous personality were all factors that made him one of the best!! My sincere condolences to Fran and all the Cersosimo family, many hugs and prayers!!

I was lucky enough to coach baseball with Joe for a couple years back in the 70's... Rapid City has always been a baseball town and it was a big part of so many people's lives. The first thing that came to my mind when I got this news was I don't think I ever knew anybody that loved the game of baseball more than Joe. If you ever played for Mr. C there was a reason you drafted to be on his team, from the best player right down the last pick, he knew things about you that would be beneficial for the team! I wouldn't be surprised if someday you look up baseball in the dictionary and next to the definition you would find a picture of Mr. C!!! Jay and John, I'm sorry for your loss. Tom Willis PS: VOLTS

Going to North Junior High during the 70's, I was blessed to have three of the best Social Studies teachers, Mr. Don Weiland, Mr. David Laudenschlager, and Mr. Joe Cersosimo. Mr. C's knowledge of the content always shone thru with the interesting stories he shared. But truly as I look back it wasn't just the academics, Mr. C truly cared about each of us! Just retiring after 40 years of teaching, I TRULY appreciate the legacy that Mr. C left. To his family, THANK YOU for sharing him with all of us!! Theresa (Macchiarella) Salazar

Jay, John and all of Mr. C's family, Your father made such a difference in so many young lives over the years, it's hard to sum it all up. He has a great teacher, a wonderful coach, an adopted dad to some, a man so many people looked up to it would be impossible to know his true impact. I think he was even a part-time counselor to some of us. I still remember his laugh echoing in the halls at North. I know growing up in our little corner of North Rapid, he was always watching over so many. I mourn his passing along with all of you. With my sympathy to you all, Renee (Walenta) Shroyer