Joel Gardiner Canestrino

1972 - 2013

Joel passed away suddenly on April 21, 2013 leaving behind his "other half" – his twin brother, Shad Canestrino, his cherished children, his mother, all of Lodi, and a large extended family. Joel was born in Santa Cruz, CA and spent the majority of his childhood in San Jose, CA. He & his brother graduated together from Tokay High School in Lodi CA. He was an alumnus of UC Davis & shortly after receiving his degree, embarked on a career as a seed geneticist, most currently with Hazera Seeds Inc., specializing in the breeding & research of onion crops. At the date of his untimely passing, he was on track to become one of the premier breeders in his industry. His best friend & associate, Russ Brown of Visalia, CA & colleagues around the world, are dedicated to finishing the programs he initiated and toiled so tirelessly researching & personally planting in his quest to develop a better seed.
Joel had a passion and zest for science, nature, books, cooking & language that was exceeded only by his love for his three children – Claire, Ava and Owen Canestrino. They have always been the treasures of which he was most proud. They will greatly miss the dad who brought them Star donuts, loved family outings to Big 5 shoe sales, thought gold panning on the river was a better family sport than playing Wii, and taught them that saying you were bored meant you were really saying you wanted to clean onions for seeds. Joel's connection to the earth & soil began in childhood and his family often teased him that he owned more white tee shirts & khaki shorts than any other person on the planet… and he wore the marks from the fields on them proudly. They were well-earned.
His family; mother, Debra Canestrino Del Conte, brothers, Chris Canestrino of Stockton, & Shad (Sundey) Canestrino, grandmother, Grace Di Salvo of Red Bluff, CA, the Cassel family (Gary, Bonnie & Jen) and numerous aunts, uncles & cousins who loved him dearly, will miss his constant quips, his debate sparring, and most of all, his loving presence within his family. His nephew, Gage & niece, Camille Canestrino will miss their Uncle Joel… who teased them & made their dad laugh like no one else could. His loss will leave a void for all who loved him which can never be filled.
His father, Al Canestrino (Tina), of Madera, CA & grandparents, John Del Conte, Victoria Canestrino Piazza, & Shirley Gardiner Taylor precede him in death. A private family service will be held. Donations in his memory, if desired, should be made to the American Heart Association.