Joseph Oliver LoForte

Joseph LoForte Obituary

LoFORTE, Joseph Oliver
Our dear father, grandfather, and great- grandfather passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2008 at age 87. He was born March 19, 1921 in Sacramento, California. He is preceded in death by; his best friend and wife of 64 years, Eloise, parents Victor and Gladys LoForte, and sister Adeline Wunschel. Joe played shortstop for baseball's Pacific Coast Minor League until joining the Navy in 1942 in Pasco, Washington. After WWII he and Eloise moved back to Sacramento to raise their two daughters. Joe worked carpentry until going to work for the State of California as a construction inspector. He and Eloise retired to Grass Valley where they became active volunteers at the Empire Mine. Joe continued his devotion to his church at Cottage Way, serving as elder and was most proud of his time as "Chairman of the Board". Joe is survived by his brother Vic LoForte (Evelyn), sisters Rose Miller and Fran York (Vernis). He also leaves behind; two daughters, Jacqueline LoForte-Ellis (Frank) and Sharon LoForte; granddaughters Heidi Houseman, Wendy Floyd, Melissa Moore (Andy) and Mary Metts; and eight great-grandchildren. Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held at Cottage Way Christian Church, 2117 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 on Sunday afternoon, June 22 at 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Cottage Way Christian Church Memorial Fund at the above address.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jun. 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph LoForte

5 Entries

PeggyAnn Ellsbury Colclasure

June 20, 2008

Joe, you were a very special man in so many ways. You were so much like my dad in that you both showed that you cared about all the children as well as the adults at the church. You would do anything for anyone. You did many fun things with our youth groups. You helped us understand how we can help other people as we would want them to help us. You always had a smile on your face and a hug for each of us, especially when you knew we needed one. We could come to you and feel comfortable talking to you about our problems and/or the good times. I will miss you so much but I'm sure you are in heaven with Eloise, my dad and many other members of our church (Cottage Way/Del Paso Blvd. Christian Church, Disciples of Christ) looking out for all of us. 50 years of friendship and love with many memories. I love you!

Joe and me

Teressa Colclasure

June 19, 2008

I will miss Kojak, you all know him as Joe. Growing up I was the only one allowed to call him that. Other kids would try but he would say “no that’s my girl’s name”. He always had lollipops and he reminded me of Telly Savills as Kojak. Growing up he was like a grandfather to me at church. When mine was not there he was the one I turned to and he would keep me in line.
I live so far from Cottage but I looked forward to Thanksgiving Dinner every year so I would get to see him. I will miss him so much; those big hugs he would give me and not let go, the smile he gave me every time he caught me in is eye. I loved him with all my heart. My sympathy goes out to all of you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please know you had a wonderful, loving, and kind dad who will be greatly missed by many. It is comforting to know he is back with Eloise, not in any pain, and knowing he will be keeping an eye on all of us down here.

Adrienne Triggs

June 17, 2008

Sharon, I didn't meet Joe but by meeting you I know he had to have been a great man. My sympathy is with you and I know you will always remember the great days with him till the begining of his journey to meet up with your Mom.

Melissa Whistler

June 16, 2008

It is rare to meet such a loving, kind, devoted person and Christian. Joe gave of himself fully and completely to Cottage Way Christian Church, and to each of the members. I will miss so terribly the hugs....those great big hugs every Sunday. The love of life and family was an inspiration to me. His love for his wife who preceded him in the journey to the Lord was truly inspirational. God Bless the whole family who I love very much! We'll all miss you Joe .... who's going to shake the lil metal bucket?

Gregory Hile

June 15, 2008

In preparing for their 60th anniversary celebration, Joe told me the story of the time their car overheated and broke down near Yakima, Washington. They pulled to the side of the road, turned the radio on, got out, and began to dance while the car cooled down. Soon they were joined by other couples whose cars had not broken down, but who saw them dancing and wanted to dance, too.

There is a place in heaven where the cars always break down and end up on the side of the road, but their batteries remain charged and the radio plays as long as they wish. I suspect that's where you will find Joe and Eloise right now, a smile on their faces, dancing cheek to cheek with the love of their lives.

May the blessings of peace be with their family and friends, and know that someday when it's your time, you too will join them by the side of the road.

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