Joseph Castagnola

Born in San Diego's Little Italy, Joe was the youngest of ten children born to Andrea and Preziosa (Zolezzi) Castagnola. He attended Washington Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, and graduated in 1946 from San Diego High School in the last mid-term class of San Diego City Schools. At just 5'7 Joe played starting guard for the SDHS basketball team and earned a spot on the 2nd string all-league team.

A week after graduation, Joe headed out to sea to follow in the footsteps of his father and brothers as a commercial tuna fisherman. After his first year of fishing, his father named him a partner along with his siblings and brother-in-laws in the CONTE di SAVOIA, one of the family tuna boats being built at the time, to be captained by his eldest brother and driving force, Louie. In later years, he was a partner in the CONTE BIANCO and ANTONINA C.

In 1950, he joined the United States Coast Guard, serving for two years in New Orleans and Corpus Christi. Joe then resumed his tuna fishing career in San Diego. In 1959, he married Mary Ann Asaro and started a family.

His commercial tuna fishing career spanned forty-one years, Joe retired in 1989 at the age of sixty. He loved sharing his fond memories of growing up in "the neighborhood" where he met many lifelong friends. He always enjoyed reminiscing about his younger days with friends and family.

Joe treasured the little things in life, making sure his loved ones were always taken care of. A neighborhood favorite, he enjoyed walks and talking to anyone he came across, dinners with his family, dancing with his wife, and cherishing great times spent with family and friends.

He had a spirit of love, generosity, and appreciation for those around him; known for expressing gratitude by giving cans of tuna to anyone who helped him out. He was an avid fan of San Diego sports teams and everything Italian.

Survived by his three children, Joseph Jr., Susan (John) Conley, Stephen, grandchildren Robert, Christina (Ramy) and Joseph Conley, Sophia and Jake Castagnola, and four generations of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Mary Ann, and his six sisters and three brothers.

Rosary to be held at 9:30am, immediately followed by Funeral Mass Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Our Lady Of The Rosary, 1668 State St, San Diego, CA 92101.