Petaluma, California
Joseph Rocco Spingola At rest March 12, 2007. Born and raised in San Francisco, Joseph attended Epiphany Grammar School, Archbishop Riordan High School and Holy Names College. Although only 38 at the time of his passing, Joseph had a life filled with many blessed and cherished experiences. His compassion and concern for others, and his abiding spirituality guided him in a passionate life of helping and mentoring others. Having returned to college in his late twenties, Joe served as a voice of experience to his younger classmates - putting aside his own anxieties to be available to others. Having finally met the challenge of completing his degree - a goal he worked very hard to achieve - he was eternally gratefully to the Sisters of the Holy Names who not only gave him a chance - but also stood with him during his time in college. Joe's work with Archbishop Riordan High School's Drama Department was testament to his love of working with kids and an expression of his creative talents. Having mentored under Brother Jim Roberts and Brother Gary Morris as a student, Joe mastered stagecraft and took the stage himself in many roles for which he was a natural. Joe later returned to the theater and was responsible for designing and creating numerous sets - his last being Damn Yankees. Joe's spiritual life was guided by his devout grandmother Maria Spingola and enriched by his work with the LIFE program, his friendship and work with The Marianist Community, and his later involvement with Glide Methodist Church in San Francisco where he was an enthusiastic member of the choir His warmth, humor and honesty earned him many friends and admiration from those with whom he had occasional contact. Joe will be remembered fondly for his love of all things good - food, music, laughter -all of which he shared with his family and friends. Joseph is survived by his parents Pietro and Lucy Spingola; sister and brother-in-law, Grace Ann and Donald Klingler; Aunt Rosa and Uncle Vincenzo Crudo; Uncle Sal Scaringella; cousin, Joseph Crudo. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Luigi and Lucia Scaringella and Rocco and Maria Grazia Spingola. He is also survived by family and friends in the Bay Area, East Coast, Canada and Italy. A Mass celebrating Joseph's life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 11am at St. James Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy, Petaluma, CA (707) 762-4256. Reception immediately following the Mass. Memorial contributions in Joseph's name may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, or Archbishop Riordan High School Scholarship Fund, SF. Arrangements by ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, Petaluma, CA. CHEDA & LYONS - Directors 707-789-9000
Read MoreYou continue to be an inspiration and guiding guardian angel light, dear Joe. I miss you and, although I am retiring from Riordan, I will hold your memory close forever. xo
Valerie O´Riordan
April 16, 2022 | Work
I think about Joe a lot. Every time I go to Big Lots I think of Joe, who once shared with me how much he LOVED Big Lots. I think of him every single time I turn left onto my street because he once told me he got a ticket for taking off his seat belt too early as he was turning left onto his street. We still put a fleur-d-lys on each of the sets at Riordan Drama and there are other times when I just talk to Joe. Why? Because I know that he is one of my guardian angels who watches over me,...
Valerie O'Riordan
April 16, 2021 | San Francisco, CA | Coworker
Think of you often, for the silliest of reasons. You know... Thanks, Joe, for making me smile! Rest peacefully, my friend.
Valerie O'Riordan
April 16, 2019 | San Francisco, CA | Coworker
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Spingola,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your dear son, Joseph. I've known Joe for many years - from Epiphany to drama at Riordan, and had the good fortune to reconnect through other friends some years ago. I will always remember his gentle spirit and warm and fun-loving heart - he was always a joy to be around. I know that he is at rest with God and singing with Angels - perhaps performing for them as well. Warmest regards,
Laureen Heinz-Hidalgo
May 10, 2007
My sympathies to the Spingola family. I've known Joe for over 30 years, he was part of the Chicago Way gang. Joe will be missed. I never saw him angry or mad. He was a gentle soul. I remember all the BBQ's out front with his homemade wine. He loved company and good conversation. Joe and his family were an integral part of my family. Rest in peace Joe. God Bless.
Greg Browne
April 30, 2007
Dear Pete & Lucy; I remember meeting and speaking with Joseph in a flower shop in South San Francisco on Grand Avenue, and thinking what a pleasant young man he was. Pete & I are deeply saddened by his passing. May God bless you and comfort you at this difficult time. Sincere condolences, Pietro & Rosetta Fazio
rosetta fazio
April 28, 2007 | South San Francisco, CA
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Spingola,
I am very sorry to hear about Joe. I found out through Mary Lindemann via e-mail. As you know, I grew up with Joe my whole life since we were neighbors. He was like a big brother to me. He was quite an inspirational person. It was because of Joe that I joined both the Riordan Band and participated in the state crew, orchestra and acting. He was also a great friend and was always there to offer advice. All of who knew him will miss him deeply. My deepest...
Abdulrahiim ( Justin ) Browne
April 26, 2007 | Sanaa, Yemen
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Spingola, GraceAnne, and Don, I am so sorry to hear that Joe passed on last month. My prayers are with all of you. I've watched Joe grow up and come and go to the neighborhood. He always had a great new project ready to go! He will be missed.
Mary Lindemann
April 25, 2007 | San Francisco
It's been a while since I saw Joe. We were involved in drama and campus ministry during our time at Riordan together. Great guy that always had a smile on his face and a positive demeanor. Sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Ernesto Castillo
April 24, 2007 | Daly City, CA
