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Joseph Esposito Obituary

Joseph Ralph Esposito

Big Joe, Pa, Papa, Coach, Donut Man

April 9, 1935 - January 24, 2012

It is with greatest sorrow that we say goodbye to a great and gentle giant. Joe was a real San Pedran. Born in Hollywood, CA to Ralph and Beatrice Esposito and raised his entire life in San Pedro, the town he loved. In his early years Joe sold insurance, coached baseball, and coached football for the Boys Club where he touched so many lives. From there he owned Harbor Sports Shop and then took over as owner and ran his father's pasta factory. He contributed so much to his community by being the jolly man he was. He had 3 sons and 11 grandchildren who were his everything. Family came first no matter what, but everyone he met he made feel like family. He was cheery, talkative, friendly, and truly a joy to be around. Everyone will miss Saturday donuts, him yelling "Rube", playing cards, his crazy jokes and stories, shopping trips his love for football and lack thereof for soccer, "Door", and most of all his unconditional love and support. He was so loved and touched so many lives there is no doubt he will be sorely missed. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife, Ruby; his most treasured accomplishments, his sons, Ralph (Ann), Tim (Monique), and Joe (Nancy); his 11 grandchildren, Ashlie, Joey, Shauna, Vinnie, Danielle, Caitlyn, Timmy, Meghan, Christopher, Briann, and Nicholas; his devoted sisters, Phylis, Vickie, and Patt; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association,. 816 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017. A Vigil Service will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2012, 5:00 p.m. at McNerney's Mortuary Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, January 30, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment will be private. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits or share memories at www.mcnerneysmortuary.com. Visitation will be on Sunday, 4:00- 6:00 p.m. at


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Published by Daily Breeze from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Esposito

Not sure what to say?





February 1, 2012

Dear Ruby and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Liz (Stipanovich), Ivan, Mario and Antonio Danek

Laura & Ron (Bruiser) Lopez

January 31, 2012

Dear Ruby & family, we wanted to express our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jerry Blaskovich

January 30, 2012

Dear Ruby,
We wish to extend our most heartfelt condolence to you and your family. We are sorry that we could not be with you at your time of need. At the moment we are in Sydney, Australia.
I first met Joe when we played football at St. Anthony High School. In fact, he frequently drover me home in San Pedro after practice, Our friendship has persisted until today.
He will be remembered in our prayers.
Dr. Jerry and Katica Blaskovich

Phyllis Manno

January 30, 2012

Dear Ruby, Phyllis, Patt, and Vicki:

I will always remember my cousin who brought fun into my life as a child growing up in Brooklyn. I visited him once in California, and he took me sight-seeing for hours, which I will never forget.

We are all devistated, we lost a good guy.

Phyllis Manno (NY)

Tony De Girolamo

January 30, 2012

My sincere condolences to the entire Esposito Family especially to Dr Tim for the loss of his dear Dad, I will always remember his goodness helping others with gifts of pasta from the Florence Macaroni . May he rest in peace and enjoy his eternal reward, Tony De Girolamo Mary Star of the Sea ems

January 30, 2012

Dearest Esposito Family~
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time. The good lord had blessed you all with a wonderful man. Always remember the good times~
Our deepest condolences,
Kenny & Terry Alva

Lucille Manno

January 30, 2012

Dear Ruby, Phyllis, Vickie and Patt, and all who loved him:

I have not seen my cousin Joey for years but he was always be in my heart. The memories I have of him are what keep him alive in my heart. Both Theresa and Joey are watching over us. Joey, we love you and will miss you always. Love, Lucille

Domenic Costa

January 29, 2012

To the Esposito Family:
All condolences, prayers, and love to all of you at this time! This is a shock and I can't even imagine the depth of loss to your family. I wanted to say though that in my life I often looked to others as role models and your dad/husband was one for me! You could tell from a long distance how much he cherished all of you! Being a coach he was great to talk to because he understood! He also knew what it was like to be a champion because he was one!!!! Plain-talking, no B.S., 100% real-THE BEST!!!
All blessings and comfort to you all at this time,
Domenic Costa and Family

Donna Walton

January 29, 2012

Dear Esposito family,
My heartfelt condolences and prayers being sent to you all. I have the fondest memories of Joe spending football weekends in Raleigh! He was a wonderful man that touched many lives!! May he rest in peace! God bless you! Donna Fowler Walton

Linda Ardaiz Banda

January 29, 2012

Tim & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I was in church last night when Msgr Joe expressed his sadness and asked everyone to pray for him and your Mom Ruby.
You have been a blessing to my family Tim and have seen us through some sad days, I hope your faith will help comfort you as mine has helped me.
You and your Family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All. In Love & Friendship,

Debbie Rizzo

January 29, 2012

I have known Joe me whole life. I enjoyed going next door every once in a while,sharing whats been happening in our life and watching TV . I am going to miss not hearing his voice over the fence. I LOVE YOU JOE. I'LL MISS YOU.

Jessica Rizzo

January 29, 2012

Joe was a wonderful neighbor and a huge part of my childhood. I remember playing with his grandchildren when we were young. He always made me feel like family. He will be missed deep down. My heart goes out to Ruby and the entire family.

Marie Doss

January 29, 2012

Dear Ruby, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Joe like a brother. I send all my love and prayers for you and your family. God bless. Love, Marie

Karen Vieweg Gonzales

January 28, 2012

Dear Ralph, Tim and the entire Esposito Family.......
We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Just as Joe was a guardian angel for his family and friends in life.....he is continuing that job from heaven!
Love and hugs! Karen and Manny

January 28, 2012

Dear Phylis - Greatest sympathy for you and your family; my prayers are with you. Love, Vicky

Rebecca

January 28, 2012

Phyllis -I remember when Joey & Ruby got engaged and being at their wedding. My heartfelt condolences to Ruby, Vickie, Pat and all the children.

Barbara Cornett

January 28, 2012

Phyllis and the Esposito Family,
So very sorry to hear about Joe he was
a really sweet guy and always so happy.
I know you will all miss him so much but
his memories will live on forever. Lind and I send our love and prayers to all of you. Rest in peace Joe. Love, Barbara

Pat O'Shea Kelly, SAHS '51

January 28, 2012

Ah, Joe, our beloved friend and classmate, St. Anthony's High School Class of 1951, forever will you be in all of our
hearts, thoughts, and prayers
as we gather for Saints-51 get-togethers and reunions. You
brought joy and laughter to any and all occasions. Rest in
peace, love, and joy with the
Lord, dearest Joe.

antoinette golbus

January 28, 2012

Phyllis, We felt as though we knew your brother intimately as you spoke of him with so much love through the years. Mickey and I send love and prayers for you and your entire family. Love, Toni

Tony Rodich

January 28, 2012

To the family
I first met Joe when I was a 12year old at the old Tims Point now Block Field. He was a big man that I remember. His sister Pat was a grade ahead of me. From that time on I would see him at most all of my games football baseball in high school. Always wanted to help and lend a hand. If you were good he would talk to you about college how inportant it was to have your grades. I last seen him two years ago at Antes.I glad i did and told that night how inportant he was to me and all the help and support threw the years. Its hard to find that now a days. He will be missed.

January 28, 2012

Ruby & Family
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all for the loss of Joe! May God carry you all in this difficult time.
We will truely miss him!
Love
Bernadette & George

January 28, 2012

Good bye coach
It has been 50 years but I still remember the impact you had on all the young men on the boy's club football teams. Good men stop their busy lives to help children. It makes them immortal.
Thank you for all you did for me.
Greg Howit

penny lacanfora

January 28, 2012

dear ruby and family so sad to hear about joe he was a wonderful person and and so devoted to you and the family he was such a gentle person who alway could make everyone feel better, I wish i could be there with you but my heart and prayers are with all of you. love to all penny

January 28, 2012

Tim, Monique and family, our prayers and deepest condolences go out to you and yours.

Sincerely,
The Maya family

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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