Joseph John "Joe" Kirrene Jr.

1931 - 2016

Joe was born Oct. 4, 1931, and passed from our world Oct. 19, 2016. He was at home at peace with his family. He was the son of Joseph John Kirrene, Sr. and Florence Agnes Kirrene, and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Grace Anne Johnson Kirrene; son Michael Kirrene (Virginia); grandchildren Stephen Kirrene, Carolyn Kirrene Breaud (Scott); and two great grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his brothers, Jerry (Rosemary), Bob (Julie), and Tom Kirrene (Linda); sister-in-law Georganna Niver, and many nieces and nephews. Joe was born in San Francisco; his family moved to Sacramento in 1940. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School, and was signed to a Chicago White Sox baseball contract in 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1954. He played baseball with the San Francisco Seals, and Oakland Oaks before going to the Chicago White Sox. In later years Joe worked for the California State Auto Assn., and was the manager of offices in Yreka, Walnut Creek, Petaluma, Hayward, San Jose, and became a Regional Manager. He was with the CSAA for 41 years, and lived in San Ramon for 44 years. He had many hobbies, loved all sports-- especially playing golf, and watching Giants & A's baseball. Joe had a great sense of humor; his smile and laugh would light up a room. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Military Memorial Services will be held Nov. 8, 2016, 1PM, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, in Dixon, CA. A reception for family and friends will be at Bud's Restaurant on S.1st St., Dixon. Family requests that any donations be made to Hospice, or a charity of their choice. Directions, service times, and an online tribute can be found at www.sacredspacememorial.com