Joseph J. Siracusa

1922 - 2021

Feb. 3, 1922 - Nov. 13, 2021 Joseph J. Siracusa, 99, of Tarzana, CA went to be with the Lord, Saturday, November 13, 2021 at his home in Tarzana where he had lived for over 60 years. "Joe" was born Feb. 3, 1922 to Alfonso and Lena (DeLeese) Siracusa of Cleveland, OH. He graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland in January 1939 where he skipped two grades and graduated the youngest in his class at age 16! Joe married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor (Cristino) on June 20, 1942 in Cleveland, and she preceded him in death on January 4, 1997 after 54 years of marriage. Joe was a very gifted musician all his life. He taught music lessons while still in his teens. Joe served our country in the army during WWII from 1943 to 1946 where he used his drumming skills in the army band. After being discharged he landed a drumming job with the Spike Jones comedy band (1946-52) playing in cities in every state in the union and Hawaii, even playing for President Truman! In 1952 he gave up the road to be with his wife and family and began his 33 year career as a music editor working on such shows as The Pink Panther and the Spider-Man TV series. During this time he also briefly opened an Italian restaurant "The Meatball Manor" serving pizza, pasta, and lasagna with his wife's famous homemade meatballs and sauce. After retiring in 1985 Joe began producing annual benefit concerts for the Salvation Army. This continued until a family tragedy occurred in 1989. He then spent 28 years taking care of his son who was disabled from a car accident. Though he was a widower and fulltime caregiver, Joe was always upbeat and ready to help and entertain. He faithfully attended dance class at the senior center and entertained at the Jewish home into his 90's. Joe attended and was actively involved with Christ Community Church for more than 30 years. He was a 1991Annie Award winner for distinguished contribution to the art of animation, and a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Editors Guild-IATSE local 700, and Musicians union local 47. Joe will be missed for his big smile, open door, and of course his flowers which he shared with everyone. Joe is survived by his children, Geraldine "Gerry", married to Robert Gomora, Fort Collins, CO; Steve Siracusa, married to Melissa (Blough), Lancaster, CA; and son-in-law, Carl Kessler, Inyokern, CA; thirteen grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Clover Close, Cleveland, OH. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; daughter, Marie "Toni" (Siracusa) Kessler; son and daughter-in-law, James and Karen (Barros) Siracusa; granddaughter, Joellie (Siracusa) Knight; brother, John Siracusa; and sister, Marie Loyd. A Celebration of Life service for Joseph J. Siracusa will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 in honor of his hundredth birthday. Details will be provided at a later time. A Memorial Open House will be held this Saturday from 1-5 pm at his residence in Tarzana for family and friends.