Beloved Philadelphia craftsman loses half his leg in hit-and-run crash

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Kensington man known for his inventive spirit and mechanical skills is recovering from life-altering injuries after being struck by a speeding vehicle in a hit-and-run crash early Sunday morning.

Joe Lisojo, 63, was crossing Trenton Street at Lehigh Avenue in Kensington just after midnight when he was hit by a vehicle believed to be a black Jeep Wrangler. The driver did not stop.

Lisojo, affectionately known as "Pioneer Joe" for his knack for building and fixing things, suffered severe injuries in the crash, including the loss of half of his left leg, a broken right arm, and pelvic fractures. He was taken to Temple University Hospital in critical condition.

"Pioneer Joe because he's always inventing stuff," said his wife, Nancy Lisojo. "He's very handy, building cars. He used to do hydraulic cars like from California."

Action News was granted access to Lisojo's custom shop in Hunting Park, where many of his projects remain unfinished. Nancy expressed concern about how her husband will cope with the physical and emotional toll of his injuries.

"The biggest part I think is going to be the worst for him is waking up and not having that left leg there," she said. "He is a very active person."

Nancy also shared her heartbreak over the nature of the crash.

"People just don't have no heart," she said. "I don't know, how could you leave someone there like, I don't know. No feelings at all for a human being."

Despite the trauma, she remains grateful that her husband survived.

"At least he's alive. Thank God," she said. "But his whole life is going to change now."

Authorities have not released further details about the suspect vehicle or any arrests. The investigation is ongoing.