Joseph Rocco Spingola

Joseph Rocco Spingola At rest March 12, 2007. Born and raised in San Francisco, Joseph attended Epiphany Grammar School, Archbishop Riordan High School and Holy Names College. Although only 38 at the time of his passing, Joseph had a life filled with many blessed and cherished experiences. His compassion and concern for others, and his abiding spirituality guided him in a passionate life of helping and mentoring others. Having returned to college in his late twenties, Joe served as a voice of experience to his younger classmates - putting aside his own anxieties to be available to others. Having finally met the challenge of completing his degree - a goal he worked very hard to achieve - he was eternally gratefully to the Sisters of the Holy Names who not only gave him a chance - but also stood with him during his time in college. Joe's work with Archbishop Riordan High School's Drama Department was testament to his love of working with kids and an expression of his creative talents. Having mentored under Brother Jim Roberts and Brother Gary Morris as a student, Joe mastered stagecraft and took the stage himself in many roles for which he was a natural. Joe later returned to the theater and was responsible for designing and creating numerous sets - his last being Damn Yankees. Joe's spiritual life was guided by his devout grandmother Maria Spingola and enriched by his work with the LIFE program, his friendship and work with The Marianist Community, and his later involvement with Glide Methodist Church in San Francisco where he was an enthusiastic member of the choir His warmth, humor and honesty earned him many friends and admiration from those with whom he had occasional contact. Joe will be remembered fondly for his love of all things good - food, music, laughter -all of which he shared with his family and friends. Joseph is survived by his parents Pietro and Lucy Spingola; sister and brother-in-law, Grace Ann and Donald Klingler; Aunt Rosa and Uncle Vincenzo Crudo; Uncle Sal Scaringella; cousin, Joseph Crudo. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Luigi and Lucia Scaringella and Rocco and Maria Grazia Spingola. He is also survived by family and friends in the Bay Area, East Coast, Canada and Italy. A Mass celebrating Joseph's life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 11am at St. James Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy, Petaluma, CA (707) 762-4256. Reception immediately following the Mass. Memorial contributions in Joseph's name may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, or Archbishop Riordan High School Scholarship Fund, SF. Arrangements by ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, Petaluma, CA. CHEDA & LYONS - Directors 707-789-9000