Joseph Anthony Passanante

Joseph Passanante passed away peacefully in his sleep at age of 88 at his home in North Hills, Ca., on Tuesday October 27, 2015. Born on March 9th, 1927 in Chicago, Joe was the oldest of 3 children. His brother Mike Passanante lives in Keller, Texas and his sister Anna and Brother In-law James live in Apache Junction, Az.

In 1945, fresh out of high school and eager to serve his country, Joe and a few friends joined the Coast Guard. He served as a machinist in the Engine Room and was aboard ship on his way to the invasion of Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped. He returned to Chicago, where, in May of 1947, he met Joan Gallas at a roller skating rink. They were married on December 2, 1950. Joe worked in the construction industry, first as a plaster apprentice and then for several contractors in Elmhurst, IL. before starting Courtesy Plastering in 1954 . At 25 years old Joe built his first house, and in 1953 he and Joan were blessed with the first of four children, a son Jeffrey. James followed in 1956, daughter Janice in 1957, and John in 1959.

In June of 1965 Joe moved his family to North Hollywood, Ca. where he worked at Warner Brothers, Fox, Paramount, and Universal Studios before settling permanently at Universal. In his 28-year career at Universal, he worked first in the staff shop and then served as the Back Lot and Stage Plaster Foreman until he retired in March of 1992. He was a proud member of Union 755. His tenure at Universal Studios was long, and he taught and influenced many of his co-workers and employees. He will be remembered by many as a mentor and a friend.

After retiring Joe and his wife traveled for years with the Patricians, visiting 28 countries and 4 continents. When asked which country he liked the best, he always replied “the good old USA!”

Joe was involved with the VFW #2149 in Bensenville, IL. In California he was a member of the ICF# 382, Patricians, Club Italia, Nights of Columbus, and Warner Brothers Retirees Club. Joe took up golf again after he retired and played weekly with several retirees from the movie industry.

A prolific gardener, Joe’s love for gardening was inherited from his father Mike. His family often joked that his crops of tomatoes, zucchini, and spaghetti squash were so abundant that he should open his own vegetable stand. That love of gardening has been passed down to his kids and Grandkids, as has his dedicated work ethic, his excitement and enthusiasm for life, and his openhearted generosity.

He is remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and an inspiration to many.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Nicolina Passanante from Italy and sister- in-law Dorothy Passanante. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan E Passanante, his son Jeffrey J. Passanante (Patty) and their daughter Nicolina Booth (James); son James J. Passanante (Susanna) and son Dr. Giovanni J. Passanante, daughter’s Jessica Lowe (Garrett), Melissa Misurelli (DJ), Vanessa Barton (Caden), Krissta Norman (Sumner); daughter Janice J. Lynn (Gary) and son Robert J. Lynn and daughter Kelsey C Lynn; son John J. Passanante, son Jeramiah Houghton-Passanante (Jessica); and 11 Great Grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his brother Michael A. Passanante, and sister Anna M. Parker (James).

Arrangements under the direction of Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary, Mission Hills, CA.