Joseph Laurindo Moniz

Joseph “Joe” Laurindo Moniz died peacefully in his home surrounded by his daughters and extended family on Friday, September 29, 2023 after 84 years of life. Born on July 22, 1939 to Jose Soares Moniz (deceased 2010) and Analia Noemia Soares (deceased 2005) on the Santa Cruz Pico island in the Azores, Portugal. Joe and his family moved to the United States in 1952 when Joe was 12 to be a part of the rapidly growing tuna fishing community in San Diego, specifically Point Loma. Joe would remain in Point Loma for the rest of his life.

Joe loved to be surrounded by his growing family, whether he was enjoying a boxing match, eating Thanksgiving dinner, on a cruise, attending the annual Portuguese Festa in Point Loma, traveling to see his grandchildren graduate from college, playing with his great-grandchildren, or simply retelling his experience traveling the world as a tuna fisherman, Joe was always surrounded by people he loved.

Not only did Joe spend his career as a tuna fisherman, later in his life he also ran numerous successful landscaping and laundromat businesses. Joe loved being deeply involved in his Portuguese and Catholic community in Point Loma, and was a devout member and donor to Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Bom Jesus and Espirito Santo organizations. His Portuguese heritage and culture was something he continuously passed down to his family.

Joe started his family in 1964 when he married his first wife, Dorothy Agnes Simpson. They had two daughters Renee (57) & Michelle (54) before Dorothy’s death in 1986. Joe had the good fortune of not only one marriage but two, and in 1996 he married Darlene Mary (Gilmer) Moniz. Joe is survived by a large blended family: daughters Renee Doyle & Michelle Honz; step-daughters Cheri McVey (and husband Dave McVey) & Sandra Gilmer; grandchildren Kelsey Honz (and husband Maxwell Octigan), Jared Honz (and partner Karah Bodell), Ashlyn Doyle, and Olivia Mower (and husband Mason Mower); two great-grandchildren Kaiden & Brooke Honz; and his sister Lena McDowell (and husband Jon McDowell) and their three daughters Bridget Beneventi (and husband Gary Beneventi and three children), Shelly Virissimo (and husband Jose Virissimo and three children), and Vicky Rushing (and husband Rob Rushing and three children).

Joe was often surrounded by many women in his family and never had any sons of his own, but treated his children's spouses (Robert Doyle & Mark Honz), as well as other men in his life in Point Loma, as his sons. Joe also loved getting together with his cousin Manuel during his final weeks, enjoying good food and praying the rosary together.

Renee and Michelle would like to extend their deepest thanks to the Sharp HospiceCare Team and caregivers for providing best-in-class home service to Joe in his final months of his life, as well as his family and friends near and far who gave him comfort before his passing, including Carleen & Janice from St. Charles Borromeo Church who prayed with him and gave communion during the final weeks of his life. The entire Moniz family is also thankful for Joe’s daughter Michelle who was his full time caregiver supporting him through this transition.

A Rosary and Funeral Service for Joseph will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St Charles Borromeo, 2802 Cadiz St, San Diego, California 92110. Following the Funeral service will be an inurnment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Dr, San Diego, California 92123.

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