Joseph Lawrence Pertusati

Joe, was a one of a kind. He was so full of life and laughter, he was a genuine caring man with a Heart of Gold. This past year when he got sick my husband Wood and I were able to spend alot of quality time with him, thanks to his Beautiful wife Debbie who would bring him to our home in Lytle Creek where he Loved it. Joe used to bring his Dad up to our home they both just loved sitting on the Creek and talking about the old times, and the Good times. We raise Red Worms for the tea and they would always go home with the Worm Tea to use in their gardens. With Joe we were able to speak of everything and anything. He was my cheerleader I have been Disabled for a few years now having multiple back surgeries and Joe and Debbie were always checking on me to see how I was doing.My husband Wood has been Joe & Debbie's friend for over 20 yrs so they have a long history and friendship.Joe & Debbie welcomed me with open arms and through the years we were no longer friends we were family. Wood and I were Blessed to witness the Love that Joe & Debbie had for one another.We were there for their wedding in Mexico where they both had smiles from ear to ear,and the setting was just breath taking the Ocean was the back drop with candlelight and flowers on the tables, but the Love these two shared could be felt by all. When Joe came to our home where he would just let go of everything and relax listening to the creek flow. Joe spoke of his life and fears and he was going to fight the Cancer with everything he had and we were going to be there for him through it all. I made things he liked to eat and send some extra home with him. We knew there would be a day he no longer could. We listen closely to each and every word as we knew the sound of his voice would soon be gone. When he lost his outer voice he still made sure he was herd, he wrote on his board. I remember holding his hand and still be able to laugh with him, he would give me the thumbs up. He never spoke with his trech except for one time it took alot of energy to do but he said Thank You. Wood and I for his Birthday had gotten him a pair of slippers that would be easy for him to put on and take off and keep his feet warm. He loved them. Just spending his Birthday with us we knew how much he loved us. We did not treat him any different then before he became sick we still joked with him and he smiled alot we made our time with him quality time and cherrished every moment we had with him. The last memory we have and will cherrish forever Debbie brought Joe up to our home with Joe's younger brother and son. Joe had placed an order with the Italian guy that made the sausages that both Joe & Wood grew up on as their Dad's were friends with this man. We had a BBQ along with Joe fishing on his new fishing pole with his brother & son..... He even wrote on his board that the guys could not touch his fishing pole only I could. That day Joe gave Wood and I lots of hugs and kisses and alot of hand holding. We felt Joe's Love so deeply and I know he felt our Love too. Sad is I knew he was saying his goodbyes that he knew this was the last time he would be up to the place he loved so much.I am happy he is out of Pain, he is no longer suffering. He is Loved and Missed by every one whose Lives he touched. For now our Hearts are Grieving but Joe will always be with each and every one of us as we carry him in our hearts. We will continue to tell the stories of all the memories we had with such a great man. I want all to remember Joe the way he lived and loved life instead of focusing on the Disease that took him away. Joe Loved his wife Debbie so very much, he loved his children Amanda & Joey and his Mom and Brothers and all his family and friends. If you were in Joe's life then he Loved you and you were family. R.I.P. Joe.... Wood and I will always Love you.
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Dawn & Wood Garland,
California