Joseph Ralph Spignese

Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary, and Crematory, Oceanside, California.

Long time Oceanside resident, Joseph Ralph Spignese, passed peacefully in his home the morning of December 7th, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Joe was known for his honesty, integrity, kind nature, quick wit and humor.Born in Somerville, Mass., on October 24, 1932 and raised with four brothers and a sister, Joe joined the Navy in 1952. He spent four years as a Yeoman, meeting his beautiful wife Maria, during a port visit to his father's port land in Gaeta, Italy. A watchmaker by trade, Joe managed the jewelers concession and Camp Pendleton and El Torro Marine Corps exchanges over a 25 year career before easing into retirement at the ripe age of 48.

More than 30 years of retirement did not slow him down. He was known for his wood working skills, building lovely hand crafted grandfather clocks, and meticulously maintaining his vegetable garden, sharing his tomatoes and herbs with friends and family.

Joe later found a new hobby~becoming a local legendary computer expert where he benevolently donated his time and knowledge helping family and friends.

Joe was a long time member of the Oceanside Elk's Club where he enjoyed the company of his card playing friends and tirelessly supported the member's computer lab. He'll be missed by many.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Maria of Oceanside, Calif.; adoring daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Randy Thill; and granddaughters, Kristina and Andrea Thill, of Vista Calif.; respectful son and daughter-in-law John and Jennifer Spignese of San Clemente, Calif.; and sister, Margie Spivak of New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his beloved brothers, Anthony, Cosmo, Edward, and Salvatore Spignese. Private Services only.