Joseph Passalaqua III

Joe was born April 15, 1964, and raised in Metairie, LA where he attended Stuart Prep, going on to study at Tulane University where he received a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. In his professional career, Joe was President of Construction & Development at Gatlin Development. He also held state contractors’ licenses in Louisiana, California, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida. Joe had a great passion for building, from restoring muscle cars at a very young age to opening his own company, Rancho Santa Fe Development Company, Inc. and building beautiful multi-million-dollar custom homes. In his spare time, Joe continued his education. Most recently he became a Certified CNC Machinist.

At the age of 16, Joe met Julie, the love of his life. They loved, honored, and worshipped each other through their beautiful years of dating and marriage. At the age of 25, they were married in a double ceremony alongside Julie’s sister Carolyn and Joe’s best friend John Graves. Shortly after they married, Joe and Julie moved to San Diego, CA where they fell in love all over again. Although they moved away and even though he was a true southern gentleman to his core, Joe’s heart always stayed in California. Joe and Julie shared a profoundly fulfilling life together – enjoying restoration and customization of muscle cars, drag racing, and machining, as he was the most passionate and creative craftsman in any and every endeavor.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Rita Passalaqua, father Joseph Passalaqua Jr., and brother-in-law Kenny Truxillo. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Julie Passalaqua, of 32 years, his beloved sister Rose, brother-in-law and life-long best friend Rick Toumillon, Paris DuVernay Jr., and Buzz, Carolyn and John Graves, Toya Truxillo, Stephanie and Steve Fos, Shane Bullock, Matthew and McKenna Truxillo, Stephanie M. Fos, Jordan Fos, and a host of family and friends dear to him.

In lieu of a traditional memorial service, a Celebration of Life will take place on November 19, 2022, at

11:00 AM

Hardage – Giddens Funeral Home

11801 San Jose Boulevard

Jacksonville, FL 32223

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