Joseph Lisa aka J.L.

Joseph Lisa was born July 2nd, 1934 to parents Frank and Mary Lisa in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had one older brother, Frank Lisa Jr. His family moved to Los Angeles when J.L. was a toddler. He attended public school and graduated from Hollywood High School. As a teenager, he was hired at an entry level position at the Los Angeles Herald Examiner newspaper. Working his way up to the stereotype department, and later became supervisor over a crew of seventy-two men until a ‘lock-out’ occurred closing that department. In 1961, Frank Jr. introduced J.L. to Wanda at their Glendale neighborhood skate rink. After a two year courtship, they married in 1963 and together raised J.L.’s daughter, Antonette. His love and skill of mechanics led him to build, own and operate his V.W. parts and repair shop in Sun Valley. Proudly known as J.L.’s Best Damn V.W. Shop. This business was successful for approximately twenty years but due to health concerns, he made the very difficult decision to close and later sell the shop. J.L.’s hobbies and interests were many, such as Harley Davidson motorcycles, building V.W. engines, driving dune buggies, Jeeps and Toyota Land Cruiser off road. Lastly, but not least, owning and flying his own Grumman Tiger airplane, after being licensed as a pilot. In addition, even though being diagnosed with cancer, he continued to pursue his dream of also becoming a helicopter pilot. Recently, in prayer with Wanda and family loved ones, he affirmed his acceptance of Jesus Christ as being his personal Lord and Savior. On December 22nd 2015, at age 81, J.L. passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife of fifty-two years at his side, and their ‘four legged’ kids, Precious and Gimpy.