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Joel Falcon Obituary
December 25, 1962 - April 21, 2015
A graduate of Salesian High and Sonoma State, he leaves behind his parents Sylvia and Lou Falcon, sisters Alena Steiner (Jonathan), Alicia Brasuell (Wade), Monica-Mary Clefisch (Greg), nieces Megan and Melissa Gonzalez, Sylvia Brasuell, nephew Aaron Brasuell, loving partner Candy Kasalo and many cousins. If you knew Joel, there is no need to read the platitudes. You already know of his enduring charm, ready wit and staggering charisma. He never met a stranger. Joel packed more love and living into fifty-two years than most of us will in our lifetimes. He touched so many lives so profoundly that to say he will be missed is laughable. He was a truly remarkable man.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Falcon
Joyce & Jan deVries
April 23, 2021
We think of Joel especially at this time of year when fresias, tulips and other flowering plants are blooming everywhere in our garden. It was great to share with him the love of our garden. His spirit is certainly still with us!
McCloud River Rainbow (Nov 2004)
Damian Hayden
April 20, 2021
Will never forget Joel's infectious smiles and love for the outdoors. Miss you my friend.
Christian Kramer
November 4, 2018
10/4/2018 I am devastated. I just learned that my old fishing buddy Joel lost his life. All tho we have been out of touch like most guy's that didn't mean our connection was gone. Life had just separated us for a while. I was looking up his number to ask him to go fishing with me for the first trip for me in a while. Their is no one I would rather restart my fishing life again with. My love to the family I will miss him terribly and think of him every time I fish.
Joel fly fishing trophy (early 2000's)
Damian Hayden
September 20, 2018
James Taylor
June 6, 2017
Sylvia, this is James from the Berkeley Y. I came across a CD you gave me several years ago at Grace's Pool at the Y and was wondering how you are doing and looked you up and found the sad news of your son. I'm so sorry to learn of Joel's passing two years ago. My thoughts are with you, and I wanted you to know I think of you and miss you. Be well.
Abalone anyone?
Paul Bonomo
March 19, 2017
Big fish
Paul Bonomo
March 19, 2017
Knights Landing
Paul Bonomo
March 19, 2017
Westport camping
Paul Bonomo
March 19, 2017
Surf fishing at Hardee Creek
Paul Bonomo
March 19, 2017
July 3, 2015
To the Falcon family,
Our heartfelt condolences for Joel's passing. He cared for and nurtured our garden for the last three years. He was a kind, generous and thoughtful person.
Andrew and Kristy van Herick
June 26, 2015
Jan and Joyce de Vries
445 Vermont Ave
Berkeley CA 94707
13 May, 2015
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Falcon,
Please accept our condolences for the loss of your son Joel. We just learned of the sad news last night when we read his obituary.
Of course we are also shocked to learn about his death. On about April 19 or 20, Joel was working around our house before he left for the coast for one of his favorite diving trips. We did not hear from him later, but we were unconcerned since we knew that Joel always had his own individual and flexible working schedule.
Joel has worked with us on our garden for at about 20 years or so and transformed our garden into a sea of flowers during the spring time. Joel was really a friend and we discussed all kinds of issues with him. His knowledge of plants, fertilizers, soils and so on always amazed us and he was much fun to be around. Needless to say that we will miss his upbeat and positive attitude. When we walk into our garden and see the plants with the flowers that he planted, we will always have Joel's presence in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Although we have never formally met, over the years Joel told us about you, his family and his fishing trips on the east coast. There is no way we can understand the deep sadness with the loss of a son, but we sincerely offer our condolences. We miss Joel too.
In sympathy,
Jan and Joyce de Vries
June 10, 2015
In what seems to be not so very long ago, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada had the occasional visit from a fella who was a best friend of a couple of our best friends. Together, these guys would come up to our family ranch to visit with ol' Uncle Ted & us, and from the moment they arrived, the cacophony of laughter and unrestrained raucousness carried on until all we saw was the dust cloud of their leaving down our gravel road. Their shenanigans became the stuff of legend with our family, and Joel was always at the middle of it. His love of life, his enthusiasm and appetite for every facet of the experience while on this earth was evident in all that he did. I think he loved this place as much as we do, even proving it when he brought his Dad up, and between them, they trimmed back our grapes. He was always ready to help...in every way.
From our family to yours, know that his loss is deeply felt, despite the years since we saw him last. He will continue to be a part of our conversations here, his memory never to fade.
The Jordt / Neuhaus Clan.
May 20, 2015
Dear Candy and the Falcon Family: I was devastated to hear of Joel's death. He was such a wonderful person. I loved him. My tenants loved him, and we're all grieving and heart-broken. My garden will never be the same without his knowing touch and care. Joel embraced life in a wonderful way that included everyone he knew. We got to go along on his joyful ride through his stories and knowledge and the beautiful way he absorbed the sentient world around him and shared it with us. He was a very kind man with a very good heart. My prayers are with all of you who were closest to him. He's not replaceable, and we will miss him forever. Ginny Baldwin
May 15, 2015
To the Falcon family,
What a shock to hear of Joel's death. You were my "first family" in Berkeley and I only remember Joel as a little boy. As a father myself, it is hard to imagine loosing a child no matter what the age. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dennis Merritt
pat colburn
May 10, 2015
I only met Joel once, but it's clear that he inspired so many people with his laughter and good will. You have my deepest condolences.
alison roberts
May 8, 2015
Joel was a blessing. Pure and simple. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends.
Kevin Shaughnessy
May 4, 2015
To Monica -Mary and the entire Falcon family. I was very sad to hear of Joel's sudden passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences. I will always remember Joel as a really nice guy. Walking through the halls at Salesian High, he always had a smile and a nod for me. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
joan and shelly baumrind
May 1, 2015
Joel has been our gardener for many years but gardener does not allow for all the many extras he performed for us, increasingly so as Shelly, became ill. He was always cheerful, interested in our lives, and willing to help in any way. We will miss his smiling presence. Please accept our condolences. His life was too short but it created a genuine human impact.
Ann (Giusti) LaRocco
May 1, 2015
I have such great memories of our high school shenanigans, even though I had not seen Joel in many years, I can still see that grin. My deepest condolences to you all, may your memories bring you peace until you meet again. xo
Joel with a McCloud River rainbow, Oct 2000.
Damian Hayden
May 1, 2015
Joel was a true and genuine friend. I was very fortunate to know him, and share many adventures with him. Joel had a generous, inviting and positive spirit. We only ever had good times together, and I imagine that was the same for everyone who knew him. I'll miss him, but know I will always remember his great laugh, his love of the outdoors, and the lessons of friendhsip he taught to me.
Richard Lloyd
April 30, 2015
Dear Family of Joel
Joel has been a friend and our gardener for over 20 years. We last saw him the Friday before he passed. We consider him a good friend and beloved representative of all that is good in mankind. He will be missed terribly by us and our golden retrievers Hobbes & Reba.
I always appreciated the way he loved and respected his family members (especially his Mom, Dad, and Sisters. We were so happy for him when he recently found his significant other Candy.
May he rest in peace.
Falcons at Esther and Ben's wedding Sept 2012
Stephanie Cascio
April 29, 2015
Joel and Elaine Cascio at Esther and Ben's wedding Sept 2012
Stephanie Cascio
April 29, 2015
Falcons and Cascios in Napa about 2006
Stephanie Cascio
April 29, 2015
Lisa Ponchione Meniketti
April 28, 2015
I remember Joel and his sisters from our childhood days at Castro Elementary School. Joel was the kid with the mischievous smile who would eat paste (it was second grade after all) to impress his classmates. He was a kid who liked to have fun. My sympathies to his family.
April 28, 2015
I met Joel sometime in the mid 1980s, through my step-brother John. Periodically, I would return to El Cerrito to visit family and run into him. He always had a funny comment or observation to share. He definitely was an engaging guy, and I know that we all will miss him.
Knowing that he loved fishing and the ocean, it seems appropriate to wish him Fair Winds and Following Seas for whatever journey he is on now.
Rest easy Joel.
Marianne Minnis Michels
April 28, 2015
Dear Sylvia & Lou, You were my proxy God Parents long ago and I have a picture of you holding me, Sylvia, looking at me with such care and love. I can only imagine what a wonderful mother you are. I am so very sorry for this tragic loss. My mom called me today and they are also so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless All Of You! Love, Marianne Minnis Michels
Jane De May Andreotti
April 28, 2015
To the Falcon family and to Joel's love... I've known Joel since our high school years and from growing up in El Cerrito hills. He was always a kind and engaging fellow. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you wonderful memories and the faith that his spirit will forever be present.
Heather Chalon
April 28, 2015
I will always think of Joel as a person who lived life on his terms. Blessings to the entire / extended Falcon family.
Shelly Lopez
April 28, 2015
Sylvia, I wrote this for my parents when we lost my little brother. I hope it brings you comfort.
Here I am, I'm safely home a place so beautiful, so bright, I felt at peace within myself as I walked into the light. My journey not yet over but my worries now the past, I am now at peace forever, I am safely home at last. Our Lord he came himself to.greet me, He reached out and touched my hand, With just a smile I felt welcome, my new home the Holy Land. Since the moment I was born you vowed to keep me in your care, to love throughout Eternity, you have not lost me, I am there. I know you feel much sorrow but I am with you still, keep me in your heart I love you now, I always will. For each life there is a purpose so carry on and do your best, for when your works completed, you too will come to rest. Live each day to its fullest be all that you can be. Until he knocks upon your door and brings you safely home to me...
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers...
Shelly Lopez Westport Beach Campground.
Beverlee French
April 28, 2015
The Arlington will never be the same. From conversation on the street with a stranger, Joel came into my life and my heart. And look what happened when I introduced him to my friend Candy. I couldn't have been happier for them both. I will miss him deeply. With his ready smile and cute remarks, he brightened every day for so many. I am sad to look at my garden but also happy that he will live on therethe fava bean harvest soon and, every year, in the many bulbs he planted. He will have a special place in my heart forever. My deepest sympathies to Candy and the Falcon family.
Georgia Gross (Morin)
April 28, 2015
I will always remember how much Joel embraced life and lived it to the fullest. His humor and joie de vivre were contagious. Deep condolences for your loss of such a wonderful human being.
April 28, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the Falcon family on your loss of Joel.
Anna Frankfurt
Gary Bianco
April 28, 2015
a life of energy and laughter...alway smiling and joking...that's how I will remember joel...what a great family ....and those great years of joy we all had at Salesian High School,together as children...no one can ever take those moments away....memories ARE life....we are all just visiting...To the family,"I am tuey sorry" He will be remembered forever
Jeff Boggess
April 28, 2015
Joel. We will miss you brother. We will remember your smile and great humor and humility. May the Lord Bless your family through this time.
Kirstie Bennett
April 27, 2015
Our whole Terrace Drive neighborhood is in mourning over Joel's untimely death. We walk our dog daily along the route that Joel and Candy often walked him. Every flower, every bush, every blooming tree reminds us of Joel. Complete strangers come up to us and ask if we heard about Joel's terrible accident. They all have tears in their eyes. Even the mailman, visibly shaken, was stopping his truck to make sure that everyone heard the news.
Joel was our neighborhood helper, friend to those in need, wonderful gardener, and beloved friend to all. We will miss him greatly. He was one of the kindest, most selfless people we have known. We send love to Candy and to his family and hold them in our hearts.
--Kirstie Bennett & Jeff Goldberg, and Rumba
Barbara Kringle-Fabiani
April 27, 2015
Joel has been part of our family since he was 13 years old. He was a friend and companion to my elderly parents, a brother to my son and a support to all the family. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. He was a fine man and will be missed by all who knew him. We will always remember his smile and his charm. Our hearts are aching.
Tamara Paul
April 27, 2015
Joining in the celebration of Joel's life.
Patricia Martin
April 27, 2015
My husband and I met Joel on several occasions when he had come to Rhode Island to visit his uncle. He was an engaging and pleasant person. We both were deeply saddened when we heard of his death. He is in our thoughts and prayers.
Rita and Don Chalon
April 27, 2015
Joel will always be in our hearts with fond memories. Don and Rita Chalon
Elsie, Laurie & Tony Sarner-Ferrara
April 26, 2015
My husband & I were so happy & honored to have gone to Monicamary & Greg's wedding back in 2011 where we were able to meet Joel. What a wonderful guy, from the very first impression. A pure heart, sensitive, fun, warm, adventurous and very loving to his family. We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone in this family at this hour of grief. We also pray that God gives everyone the strength, perseverance, and courage to come out of this. May your precious memories fill your hearts and ease your pain. Although there's a big distance due to geography....you all remain in our hearts and prayers. Love Elsie, Laurie, & Tony
Janet Buckley
April 26, 2015
My sincere condolences go to the Falcon family. Joel was a wonderful person.
Joel had an awrding winning smile, contagiious laughter, positive attutide, and he was an interesting conversationalist. I will truely miss him.
Judy Brownlee
April 26, 2015
I have such great memories of Joel. My love to his family. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
April 26, 2015
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your son. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Norma and Gary Buffon, ECGC
Widess Family
April 26, 2015
We'll miss your smile, your hard work and your kindness. We love you.
Teri Herman Sandholdt
April 26, 2015
Extremely saddened to hear of Joel's passing - my sincerest condolences to the Falcon family. I remember you being such a wonderful, tightly-knit family. It has been many years since I moved away from El Cerrito, but the memories remain fresh in my mind. May Joel rest in peace...
Erica Dreyer
April 26, 2015
R.I.P Joel!
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