Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1942
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Giuseppe Barcellona Obituary
March 9, 1942 - November 26, 2023
Arroyo Grande, California - Giuseppe Barcellona, 81, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2023. Giuseppe was born number three of seven children to Francesco and Barbara Barcellona, Ramacca Sicily, on March 9, 1942. He immigrated to America at age 24 with $500 in his pocket, a limited elementary education and spoke no English. With grit and a determination we've never yet met in another, he built his Barcellona legacy. While living in the apartment building he built in Grover Beach, he began building his dream home. We've enjoyed this big house, the orchard, the countless parties and bonfires on his property and, of course, his barrels and barrels of homemade wine; grapes handpicked from right here on the central coast of California. He instilled in his three children core values – the most important being the belief in ourselves. He'd always say, with his crooked finger pointed in our faces, "NO BODY, NO BODY IS BETTER THAN YOU!" Guess what? We all believed it. He never took "no" for an answer and we've all prospered here in America for it. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a beloved grandfather. We love you Giuseppe, Dad, Grandpa, rest now in God's eternal embrace.
Giuseppe will live on forever in the memories of his beloved wife, Emily, his two sisters, Maria Barcellona Compagnino, Ramacca, Sicily, Zina Barcellona Russo, Cleveland, Ohio, his three children Barbara Barcellona Smith (Kyle), Miriam Barcellona Ingenito (Robert), Francesco Giuseppe "Joey" Barcellona (Joann), and seven grandchildren Giuseppe Antonino Barcellona, Emilia Marie Smith, Carolina Marie Ingenito, Thomas Alfred Barcellona, Jacqueline Olivia Ingenito, Brandon Kenneth Smith, and Brent Casey Smith, and countless cousins and friends.
All are welcome to attend the viewing December 8, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., the Rosary from 6:00-6:30p.m., and the memorial video from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach, Ca., and the Funeral Mass December 9, 2023 from 10:00-11:20 a.m., and the entombment from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 noon at Old Mission Cemetery (& Chapel) in San Luis Obispo, Ca.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Giuseppe Barcellona
5 Entries
Sona
December 12, 2023
Que Dios lo tenga en la Gloria y a ustedes siempre los acompañe . Love . Sona
Matt Smart
December 8, 2023
I came to know Mr Barcellona through his son Joey (as we knew Frank growing up). At first Mr Barcellona seemed to be a very stern man, but as I got to know him I learned he was a very stern man. Yet he was also big hearted and giving.
I believe Mr Barcellona´s sternness was his discipline. He expected much from his family, from his children, because he expected so much from himself. His life reads like a fable of the American Dream, yet it was real. I remember how he always provided for and backed his children, whether it was an education or starting a business. It seemed to me that Mr Barcellona instilled the belief in his children that they could do anything they wanted, but he first taught them them needed to work hard, really hard for it.
And Mr Barcellona very much had a jovial side. He enjoyed entertaining and good company. I learned a lot about how Italians invented much of the modern world. If you thought something was invented elsewhere he would correct you with full conviction how the Italians thought of it first. He spoke passionately from the heart. Such honesty with his feelings and that grin!
Mr Barcellona and his family were so hospitable to me growing up. There was so much fun and stories I could go on and on about for the wonderful years I got to know them. Life took me in different directions and I did not get to know Mr Barcellona as he retired and welcomed grandchildren into his life. Still I am confident they learned plenty of their proud Italian heritage and much practical old school knowledge. Including that one can grow a stomach of solid muscle, which I witnessed to be true.
David Baldwin
December 6, 2023
I first got to know Giusseppe on the Jobsite where he was a master craftsman and I a 16 year old apprentice Cement Mason. He shared his knowledge and explained to me many tricks of the trade and the fundamentals of what is widely recognized as one of the oldest of all the skilled crafts. As the years have passed our friendship has grown stronger and stronger and came to be something so important to me that I don´t have the words to adequately describe how much I appreciated it. I can only say I´m sincerely grateful for the time I spent with him and the friendship he showed me and my family. His only obligation was to help me as an apprentice to learn the trade, but he did so much more than that. I only came to really appreciate and understand his impact on my life after I began to live mine as an adult since I was still just a kid when I first worked as an apprentice with Giuseppe. Instructions on how to make a living were always coupled with how to live life. Joe´s lessons on family first, producing a quality product, giving your all in each days work and his wisdom about the things in life that really matter are with me every day. He loved his family as much as anyone I´ve ever known. Thank you Joe for everything you did to help me and thanks for all those times you shared your lunch with me!
Kerri Richey
December 4, 2023
I´m grateful I was blessed to meet this little man with a huge heart and huge smile. He was always so kind to me, he would come and talk to me while I cleaned, would make me espresso, take me out to pick fruit, he always cared about how my family was doing, especially my Son in Brazil. I miss him, and I will miss, him saying, " that is life what ya gonna do eh?" Love, Kerri
Carmela Barcellona(Williamson)
December 4, 2023
So sorry to hear of Uncle Joe´s passing. Healing thoughts and prayers to all my family. Rest in heaven in God´s eternal embrace Uncle Joe
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Giuseppe Barcellona's name
Memorial Events
for Giuseppe Barcellona
Dec
8
Funeral services provided by:
Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel1239 Longbranch Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
How to support Giuseppe's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Giuseppe Barcellona's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
