JOSEPH L. DI PRISCO

Joseph L. Di Prisco Passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2012 in Lafayette after a long illness, at 87 years of age. A native of Brooklyn, New York, and long-time resident of Albany, California. Survived by his son, Joseph P. Di Prisco and his wife, Patricia James of Berkeley; grandson, Mario Di Prisco and his wife, Jen of Lafayette; granddaughters, Katherine Palermo and Jennifer Palermo Bobe, both of Brooklyn, New York; and three great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Katherine Di Prisco in 2010; son, John Di Prisco in 2003; and stepsons, Edward Palermo in 2002, and Robert Palermo in 2010. During World War II, Joe served as a fireman in the engine room of a Coast Guard troop transport. His experiences as a 17-year-old sailor in the Atlantic honed a patriotism that never wavered. In 1961 Joe and his family left Brooklyn for California, where he became a beloved union leader. He was Secretary-Treasurer of Teamster Local 853 (formerly Local 302) for 17 years, and served with great distinction, winning nine consecutive elections, until his retirement in 1997. He negotiated contracts with 25 dairy production companies in the Bay Area, including Dreyer's, Berkeley Farms, Lucky, Safeway, and Foster Farms. He always strove to bring workers and their families a better quality of life; he was passionate in the service of the underdog and the beleaguered, and he championed those in need wherever he came upon them. Joe was well known for his expert negotiating skills and his wicked sense of humor. His family will always hold dear the memories of his kindness and generosity, and will never forget him. Friends are cordially invited to attend the prayer service Monday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Sunset View Mortuary, top of Fairmount Avenue, El Cerrito, with viewing from 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill CA 94523; tel. (925) 887-5678.