Joseph Angelo Principe

Joseph Principe of Brawley, California passed away on Sept. 1, 2021. He lived a full 89 years of life and was a beloved family man, devoted husband and kind soul. Joe enjoyed riding his bicycle, collecting postcards, playing his harmonica, listening to public radio with his wife Kathleen and spending time in his favorite artichoke fields.

Joe grew up in Massachusetts, but spent most of his life in California. It was in San Diego where he met Kathleen. In 1963, they celebrated their marriage at the Prado in Balboa Park. When Kathleen and Joe began their lives together by the ocean, Joe enjoyed surfing, lobster diving in La Jolla and skin diving for abalone.

A research scientist with the USDA, Joe was transferred from the department’s research station in La Jolla to its counterpart in Brawley where he moved with his family. Ever curious, as a side project Joe cross-bred artichokes to create more heat tolerant varietals. While his mission was utilitarian, he was also focused on taste and flavor. His most famous creation was called the “Imperial Star.” A 1992 Los Angeles Times article headlined “A Rising Star” detailed the seven-year process to develop his Imperial Star: "It was Principe who first crossed Green Globes and Italian Thorny artichokes looking specifically for earliness and flavor." He received an honorary doctorate and accolades from an Italian university for his innovation. His family received decades of annual stuffed artichoke dinners made from Kathleen's special recipe.

Joe had a generous spirit, always showing up to friends and family's homes with a sack of onions, fresh produce or figs. He particularly spoiled his grandchildren. Joe and Kathleen held annual Easter egg hunts with hand-dyed eggs, with hiding spots increasing in difficulty as the grandchildren aged. He was also generous with time, visiting family in Brawley almost daily. A secret knock at the kitchen door announced his arrival. And Joe was kind to every being, including the many animals and plants he cared for.

Throughout his life Joe modeled many values including dedication, honesty, kindness and generosity. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathleen, brother Mike, daughters Angela (Romualdo) Carrillo and Eliza, and grandchildren Sophia, Victoria and Olivia Carrillo, Drew and Violet Tolley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 18 at Pacific Beach — La Jolla Chapel in San Diego.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificbeachchapel.com for the Principe family.

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