Joseph Vito Carbonaro

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On Monday, April 15, 2024, Joseph V. Carbonaro, age 93, entered eternal rest in his Willow Glen home.

Joseph’s passing was preceded by his wife Irene, parents Vito & Josephine Carbonaro, brothers Alfio, Charles, Salvatore, & sisters Rosalie & Antoinette. He is survived by his children Daina, Mark, Judy (Tom), & Jane, grandson Erik, sister-in-law Sally, cousins, nieces, nephews & friends.

Joe’s parents emigrated from Catania, Sicily to the mill towns of Massachusetts. During the depths of the Depression, the family drove cross-country to seek a better life in California. (Joe was only four at the time, he always considered himself a “San Josean”).

In a city with only two public high schools, it was not surprising that Joe Carbonaro & Irene Campi found one another. (They were in the same in 7th grade homeroom). Initially, the two traveled in different circles. Irene found a home in the library, ultimately entering and graduating from O’Connor nursing school. Joe was a multi-sport athletic supernova but followed his brother Sal’s footsteps & focused on baseball. The “slender right-hander” attracted Major League scouts after he hurled a no-hitter in his final prep game. Following a successful semi-pro season, Joe was recruited by the Brooklyn Dodger organization, thus began his life’s most exciting era. < https://cooperstownersincanada.com/tag/joe-carbonaro/>

During this time, Joe & Irene reconnected, courted, married & began to build their life (on Bird Avenue). Joe’s conscription during the Korean War interrupted this interlude. Upon his return, as they started their family Joe decided it was time for a career more conducive to a stable household. He took advantage of a San Jose City College training program and began a 55 year career as a millman, then custom cabinet maker. Quality & customer service were the hallmarks of Palo Alto’s San Antonio Cabinets.

While (always) sacrificing for their children, Joe & Irene discovered tennis in their forties; a mutual passion that persisted through their seventies. (The former pitching ace had a wicked serve). Later, as Irene struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease, Joe demonstrated the working definition of marital devotion.

Firmly grounded in his faith; Joe was a seven-decade member of Saint Christopher’s parish from its inception, when services were in the “small hall”, (prior to the church’s physical construction). He was an usher at Sunday’s 6:30 mass for many years.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM with Vigil services at 6pm at WILLOW GLEN FUNERAL HOME, 1039 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. Memorial Mass will be held the following morning, Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Christopher Church, 2278 Booksin Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. Committal services to follow at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

The family would appreciate donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Sacred Heart Community Service, or Second Harvest Food Bank.