A TRIBUTE TO JOE SGRO
Nov 28, 2017
Mercury Racing extends its deepest condolences to the Sgro family and everyone at Outerlimits.
Mercury Racing is saddened by the loss of our dear friend, veteran offshore powerboat racer and performance boat industry icon Joe Sgro. Joe passed away November 9th from injuries sustained during a boating accident in Marathon, Florida. He was 63 years old. Joe is survived by his wife, Eileen, six children and soon-to-be three grandchildren.
Mercury Racing worked closely with Joe over the years in support of his offshore powerboat competition and poker run efforts. Our most recent collaboration came in June. Joe supported Mercury Marine’s New York, N.Y., media conference by supplying members of the media quick spins down the Hudson River in his record-setting SV43 Outerlimits hull.
On April 29, 2014, Joe and Brian Forehand made back-to-back passes of 179.5 mph and 181.422 mph for an American Power Boat Association Unlimited Vee-Bottom kilo speed record of 180.47 mph. The record still stands.
Mercury Racing General Manager Erik Christiansen, who was with Joe for the historic speed record and the New York media event, shared his thoughts about Joe.
“An event like this reinforces how fragile life really is,” said Christiansen. “Joe was not only a friend and partner of Mercury Racing, he was also a successful and devoted family man who loved to help others. He had a passion for life and will be missed.”
The funeral and services for Joe Sgro were held November 16 to 18, 2017.
