Joseph Paul Mesplou

1922 - 2010

Joseph Paul Mesplou, born November 17, 1922 in Gardena, California, died November 29, 2010 in Torrance, California. The son of Paul and Catherine Mesplou, he was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Lou, his three sisters and brother, Henrietta, Germain, Yvonne, and Albert. He is survived by his children, Paul, Vincent, and Patrice; and 6 grandchildren. Joe graduated from Gardena High School and attended Compton Junior College before being called to serve in the Navy during World War II. After discharge, he returned to earn an accounting degree from Loyola University of Los Angeles. He was recalled to serve in the Navy for another two years during the Korean conflict. Following his last discharge from the service, he and Mary Lou returned to Gardena. He held a number of accounting and controller positions with various organizations throughout the South Bay, retiring in 1987 following over 20 years with Teledyne INET of Torrance. Following his retirement, he gave much of himself as a volunteer with Little Company of Mary Hospital. Joe was a devoted father and grandfather, and made friends with ease. He could talk with anyone; making people he knew for an hour seem like lifelong friends. A rosary will be held at Rice Mortuary in Torrance on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. with the funeral Mass at St. Catherine Laboure on Thursday, December 2 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts of memory be made to the Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. Please go to Rice Mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services.