JOSEPH WILLIAM ROSA

ROSA, JOSEPH WILLIAM Joseph William Rosa died peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, February 23, 2011, after a long, heroic battle with cancer. Mr. Rosa enjoyed an exciting, full life. He was born on December 30,1932 in Las Gatos, California, to Ana and Frank Rosa. Joe was a born leader and was president of student bodies at Dana Jr. High, Pt. Loma High School and San Diego State College. Joe was a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy, Ret. He had a zest for life and traveled all around the world. After graduation from Thunderbird Foreign Trade School in Arizona, he worked for Citi Bank in Rio, Brazil. Returning to the States, Mr. Rosa married Mary H. "Suzy" Dunn. They sailed to Hawaii on their honeymoon and stayed for 13 years. Mr. Rosa was the ex-Vice President of Pioneer Savings and Loan in Honolulu. Also, he was President of La Jolla Savings, International Savings and Heartland Savings in San Diego County. Joe is survived by his wife, Sue, and sons, Keoni Rosa and his partner, John Clark, Kekoa Rosa and his wife, Molly, Keoki Rosa, and Kimo Rosa and daughters Malia Rosa, Nalani Wineman and her husband John, Maile Samek and her husband Vic, Moana Rogerson and her husband Joe, and Leilani Rosa and 18 grandchildren. In San Diego, Joe is survived by his sisters, Alyce McMenomy, Mary Jones, and Olivia Ledbetter. Joe followed his dreams and made them a reality - including a beach house in Hawaii, Real Estate Development in La Playa, a farm, tractor and vineyard in Central Oregon, RV travel and great pride that all nine of his children graduated from universities around the world. Joe loved real estate and spent hours developing gardens and watering, while puffing on a cigar. Joe is loved and remembered for his great faith, his kind and friendly personality and his strong commitment to family, friends and community. Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, 1140 Evergreen. Reception to follow.