Joseph John DAVEY Jr.

DAVEY, Jr., Joseph John
Our loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend left this life to be with our Lord on March 5, 2012. Joe was born on June 11, 1923 in Townsend, MT to the late Katherine and Joseph J. Davey, Sr. and was the oldest of five children. He was the loving husband of Marian for 57 years prior to her death and the devoted father to sons Joe of San Diego, CA and Ryan of San Antonio, TX and daughters Jane Ridenour (Steve) and Helen Roman (Andy) both of Carmichael. He was the grandfather of Tiffany Cosgrove (Travis), Kyle and Natalie Ridenour, Janine and Kaitlin Davey and Molly and Teresa Roman and great-grandfather to Emilee Rose. He is preceded in death by his brothers Jim, Dick and Rob and his sister, Ann. He leaves behind his two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Davey of Vashon Island, WA and Helen McCarthy of Helena, MT as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joe was raised in Spokane, WA and was an alumnus of Gonzaga Prep and attended Gonzaga University before enlisting with the Marines in 1942 during WW II. Joe served in the Solomon and Philippine Islands and Okinawa Campaigns earning the rank of First Lieutenant as a Marine Corsair Fighter pilot and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Joe met Marian Ryan in Arco, ID in 1950 and after a brief courtship, they were married. Their early married years had them traveling all around the country until they landed jobs in California's Bay Area where they started their family and ultimately moved to Carmichael in the mid 60's. Joe was employed by WemCo, a division of Baker-Hughes Tool for 34 years, retiring in 1986 as a Sales Executive.

Joe had an optimistic view of life and loved to tell jokes and stories, constantly altering his stories for his audience. He was a depression era baby who never passed up a deal, saved every newspaper rubber band and bought Two Buck Chuck by the caseloads. He cherished time with this family, always looking forward to the next reunion. Joe was blessed with the gift of friendship and he carried that with him all his life. He and Marian opened their home to visiting family, friends, clergy, and co-workers, to ensure that their visitors would have a hot meal, lively conversation and a warm bed. Joe loved flying, golf, fly fishing and camping. We will miss our Dad and Papa the rest of our lives. Joe was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption church for over 46 years and an active member of St. Vincent de Paul and the Knights of Columbus. He belonged to the Carmichael Elks and was a member of Northridge Country Club until 2003.

A vigil mass will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 7 pm at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 5057 Cottage Way, Carmichael. A mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 10 AM at OLA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Food Locker (OLA), OLA School, Mercy Hospice or a charity of your choice.