Joe Sabaloni

02/04/1921 - 01/09/2015

Joe Sabaloni was born on February 4, 1921 to Italian immigrants, Gulio and Katie Sabaloni in Bakersfield, California. He attended local schools and became a carpenter after graduation from Bakersfield High School, then called Kern County Union High School in 1940. He married his high School sweetheart, Lois Koch, in August, 1942, and soon joined the U.S.Navy, serving from 1942 through the end of World War 11 in October, 1945. After his training at Puget Sound Naval Yards in Bremerton, Washington, He spent 2 years at Pearl Harbor working on gun sights of damaged ships and other Optical work. During this time his first daughter, Caren was born, and he didn't get to see her until she was walking.
He resumed his carpenter work on returning home and became a General Building Contractor in 1951. He took pride in building well-built Custom homes and and made many friends through his dedication to detail, quality and workmanship. Even after retiring and turning over the Construction Company to son, Steve, in 1985, he continued to do repairs and small jobs for many friends. His interest in building started as a young boy from a large, poor family during the Depression. He made his own toys from scratch and his sister said he tried to improve the old worn house they lived in when he was 10 years old. He built all four of the homes He and Lois and family enjoyed during their 72 years of marriage, each one selling for enough to pay for the next one.
Along with visiting their children and grandchildren, he and Lois enjoyed many travel tours and cruises. He was an avid hunter and gun collector, later enjoying fishing trips, gardening, and spending much time at the Kelso Valley cabin retreat he shared with his youngest brother Bob, and wife, Lola. His children and grandchildren loved him dearly and could count on him to help out with special projects and building problems. Their friends and neighborhood children loved him, too, as he includrd them on trips and outdoor activities.
He was generous with his time and talents with family and friends and helped out and supported several Charitable organizations. He never forgot growing up in a poor family and enjoyed delivering food and necessities from "New Beginnings" to organizations that helped the needy. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lois, daughters Caren Hill ( JIm), Janine Hasey (Ray) and son Steve (Sue), grandchildren, Brennan Hill, Lauren Hasey Maher, Briana Hasey, Stacey Howard and Kimberly Fannon; great-grandchildren, Carter, Gracie, Cameron and twins, Emma and Sarah Hill, Tanner, Payton, Cameron and Lela Howard, Hadley and Ellie Fannon and another due in July for Lauren and Joey Maher. He was predeceased by all siblings; Bob, Frank, Bill and Stella Ralph and grandson, Christopher Hill.
Special thanks to nephew, David Winders and all those dear friends who brought smiles to him in many ways with their regular Friday lunches, shopping trips and appointments.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held at Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor Street, Bakersfield, CA 93308 on Thursday, January 22nd, at 11:00am with viewing on Wednesday, January 21st, from 4:00 to 7:30pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3700 River Boulevard, Bakersfield, CA 93305
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Kern County Teen Challenge or a favorite charity.