Joseph John Pangelina
February 26, 1948 - June 28, 2021
Merced, California -
Joseph Pangelina passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on June 28, 2021. Joe was born February 26, 1948 to parents, Vincent and Angela Pangelina of Merced, CA. Joe resided in Merced, CA his whole life. He married the love of his life, Jill (Staedler) Pangelina on December 21, 1968, they remained married for fifty-one (51) years, until she passed on May 3, 2020. Joe graduated from Merced High School in 1966, he continued his education and played baseball at Merced Junior College and graduated in 1968. Joe then went on to San Francisco State to continue his education and play baseball, until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and served until 1971. He then came home and dedicated his life to his family, friends, and his career with the Merced County Sheriff's Department where he worked as a Deputy for over 33 years. Joe was very involved in his community, he regularly attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, was a member of Club Mercedes, Elks Lodge, and Legion Hall. Over the years, Joe enjoyed spending quality time with his family, barbecuing, fishing, playing softball and coaching multiple sports teams for his children, as well as attending all of his grandchildren's sporting events. Joe was loved and admired by so many and will be greatly missed.
Joe is preceded in death by both his parents, wife Jill, and brother Anthony. He is survived by his children; son, Joseph (Tabitha), and, daughter Jamie; brother Max; grandchildren Jaden, Brooklyn, Jace, and Kensley. Joe also leaves behind a niece and several nephews.
Services for both Joe and Jill will be held on September 18th, Rosary 8:30am, Mass 9:00am, and the Celebration of Life immediately following all at St. Patrick's Catholic Church 671 E. Yosemite Ave., Merced, CA.

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Published by Modesto Bee on Sep. 5, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Pangelina

6 Entries

Tracy Atkinson (Cook)

July 13, 2025

I actually met him because my ex had me in family court so often. He was always so kind. I am beyond words dad to hear of his passing. I pray God continues to offer comfort for his family and friends. He was definitely one of a kind and probably the only law enforcement officer I would trust implicitly. He was beyond reproach and always acted with integrity.

Stephanie Louise Cardenas

October 27, 2022

I miss you big Joe you were a big part of my life since 1999. Your smile I will never forget

Joseph Ortiz

September 3, 2022

Don´t seem that long ago Cuz´n Joe... aka Merced Joe... you were always loyal to the family.. like you used to say ..La Familia... you and Jill was a big part of our life and thank you for that and all the hospitality.. think about you 2 often and remember these 2 songs.. I´m a girl watcher... and apple peaches pumpkin pie ready or not here I come riding in your 69 chevlle

Joseph Ortiz

September 9, 2021

Gonna miss you Cuz´n Joe! All the good times in Merced, swimming on Glen ave... you taking us fishing out by Gustine... family parties, dancing good music, Raider /A´s games... you were so blessed with cuzn Jill... She was a trooper!!! See you when I see you cuz !! From your Cuz´n Joseph Ortiz aka jomo

Nancy Chavez-Patnude

September 5, 2021

Cuz, there´s so much to say and so little room to put it... You were one of a kind because I will always remember and love. I remember all the Thanksgiving and uncle Vince and auntie Angie´s with the rest of the crazy pAngelina family boy did we have fun. Now is your rest in paradise along with uncle Vince auntie Angie cousin Tony and the rest of all the family. It´s not goodbye it´s till I see you again in the big fishing pond and baseball field in Heaven... I know cousin Jill is smiling large as well as you are...

Susan Ledesma

September 5, 2021

Oh Uncle Joe-You meant so much to so many. There are too many memories to pick just one. I know Aunt Jill is happy to have you by her side once again. And I know you'll both continue to watch over the kids games.

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