Joseph LaHive

1942 - 2016

Joseph E. LaHive

Sept 26, 1942 - Dec 12, 2015

Joe, 73, passed away peacefully with his loving wife Dee and his brother Russ by his side, after fighting a brave battle with Alzheimer's for nearly 10 years.
Joe was born in Boston and moved to Los Angeles in the early 50's. Joe served as a staff sergeant in the Army during the Vietnam years, stationed in Germany.
As a young man, Joe developed an interest in and talent for shooting pool. He became a top player and won many tournaments. One of his favorite memories was playing an exhibition game against the great Willie Mosconi.
Joe worked as a Sales and Marketing Manager in the Wine and Spirits business in California, Nevada and Texas for over 30 years with Jim Beam, Haas Bros. and Carillon Importers. He helped to build the Absolut Vodka brand and to grow many others.
He met his wife Dee when she moved next door to him in Sausalito, beginning 36 years of a wonderful life together.
Joe's career introduced him to a lifelong love of world travel. In addition to many exciting work trips all over the world, Joe and Dee honeymooned in Paris, visited Joe's ancestral home of Ireland, as well as his old Army base in Germany. They enjoyed the art and natural beauty of Greece, Italy and the Mediterranean. Joe's favorite trip was to Egypt, where he marveled at the history and architecture of this ancient civilization.
Joe's favorite hobby was golf, so they swapped Bay views for a home on the golf course in Danville. He liked to share evening cocktails while watching golfers from the patio, often playing a few holes with his brother before dinner.
Joe was a smart, sophisticated and kind man who always had a smile on his face, an Irish twinkle in his eye and a wry sense of humor.
Joe is survived by his wife Dee, his brother Russ and wife Nora, all of Danville; his niece Lauren of Monterey; his nephew Logan of Chicago; his loving family of aunts and cousins in Boston; his much loved step-mother Esty LaHive of Studio City; as well as many other extended family members and friends, including his dear friend George Mitchell, who filled his last year with good food and good company.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joe's name to the Alzheimer's Association or locally to Heatherwood Memory Care in Walnut Creek (www.apdc-heatherwood.com), so they can continue to provide compassionate care for people in our community.
A private memorial service is being held at home by the family.