October 26, 1933 ~ September 10, 2016
Joe passed away peacefully at Dominican Hospital surrounded by his loving family, while wanting them to know he was holding his deceased dachshund, Mickey, in his arms and that he could see his mother waiting for him. Born in San Jose, California on October 26, 1933, Joe cherished his family and was a kind, fun loving gentle man with a quick, witty sense of humor.
After graduation from San Jose High School, Joe served his country in the US Army, and upon returning to his native San Jose, began his career as a butcher. His hard work and determination allowed him to become the owner of his own wholesale meat company, Sun Valley Meat. His career in the wholesale meat industry spanned over 36 years.
Throughout his life Joe enjoyed camping, boating and fishing in his beloved Sierras and many happy and memorable summer vacations were enjoyed in the company of his extended family on these adventures. Joe was an avid golfer, and mentioned more than once that if he were younger, he would have attempted turning pro! Joe was excellent at barbecuing and he and wife Barbara’s home was always full of friends and family who could count on a delicious meal and a warm welcome.
In retirement, Joe and Barbara enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and traveled across the upper and middle 48 states and Canada many times, often in the company of beloved friends. Joe’s love of family and friends were of paramount importance in his life and he will be remembered as a loving Husband, and an engaging and devoted Father, Papa, Uncle and Friend.
Joe was the beloved husband of Barbara who he shared 59 wonderful years. Joe is survived by his daughter Cheri, her husband Bill Lewis, their children Will, his wife, Hope, Kate, Lauren, her husband Keenan Jackson, his son Joe, his longtime girlfriend, Tammy McCauley, his children, Joey, his wife, Sarah, Ryan, Dino, Tilly, his daughter, Cathie, her husband, Frank Giuliani and their children, Ashley and Dominic. Joe also cherished his four great-grandchildren, Hartley and Landrey Citti and Keenan and Melina Jackson. His niece, Maureen Clark and nephew, Ron Mercier and his wife, Beth were dear to his heart. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to his caretakers, Tammy McCauley and Alejandra Agguire for their tender loving care.
His mother and father, Madeline and Giuseppe Citti, and his sisters Anita Marsili and Aleese Mercier preceded Joe in death.
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At his request, a private family gathering will be held for Joe and a private committal will take place at a later date at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside on the grounds of Fort Ord where he was stationed while in training. If you wish to leave a kind thought or share your condolences with his family, please visit pacificgardenschapel.com.