Levy Joseph "Joe" Gaspard

Levy Joseph Gaspard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his San Clemente, California home, surrounded by love and memories, at the age of 92.

Levy was born on June 21, 1933, at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Adam Joseph Gaspard and Dorothy May Bush. He was baptized soon after at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and raised with the steady care of his mother and stepfather, J.C. Williamson, an Army nurse. At just 16 years old, now going by his middle name Joe, set out on his own, working a variety of jobs-on oil rigs, pipelines, as a plumber, bellhop, taxi driver, and in air conditioning-showing the grit and determination that would define his life.

In 1953, Joe was drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably at Camp Chaffee in Arkansas, where he became a top rifle sharpshooter, a Drill Sergeant, and a respected leader. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1955, Joe attended Tulane University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1959. He later earned a master's degree in biomedical engineering from USC.

In California, while working at Hughes Aircraft, Joe's life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Mary Elaine. The two met by chance in a bowling alley bar, where Levy was instantly captivated by the beautiful redhead sitting with another date. Their first conversation over coffee turned into a lifetime of love. They married on July 9, 1960, beginning a partnership that would span 55 years until Elaine's passing in 2015.

Together, Joe and Elaine raised a large and loving family. He became a devoted father to Marty and Melinda Thomas, and together they welcomed five more daughters: Michelle, Melanie, Melissa, and Maureen. Family was always the center of Joe's world, and every decision he made-from buying bigger homes to starting his own company-was done with them in mind.

Joe's career was marked by boldness and innovation. After working in aerospace and later at JPL in Pasadena, he pursued his dream of entrepreneurship by founding Medical Electronics Development out of his garage in Cerritos. From humble beginnings, he built a thriving business known for excellence in servicing medical and hospital equipment, growing it into a respected company with large contracts and loyal customers.

Outside of work, Joe's passions were many. He loved photography, bowling, golf, fishing, and especially sailing. He raced Cal 20 sailboats, made countless trips to Catalina with his family, and found joy in the wind and sea. He had a lifelong love of music, from classical to Motown, and even attempted to carve and play his own violin. He enjoyed tending his gardens of olive and birch trees, growing tomatoes and asparagus, and traveling by road-often back to Louisiana-with his children in tow, always eager to share new experiences.

Above all, Joe loved being surrounded by his family. Nothing gave him greater joy than having his children, grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren gathered around a table for a meal, conversation, and laughter. He was the rock of his family, always ready to lend a hand, give advice, or simply listen. His quiet sacrifices and unwavering love created a foundation that will carry on through generations.

Joe is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Elaine. He is survived by his children Michelle and her husband Rick, Melanie, Melissa and Maureen, his grandchildren Ricky and his wife Monika, Amanda and her husband Robert, Ryan and his wife Aly, Micheal, Gracie and Canyon, great-grandchildren Maverick, Henry, Avery and Reagan and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, strength, and devotion.

A man of resilience, faith, and boundless love, Levy Joseph Gaspard's legacy will forever live on in the family he cherished above all else.