Joseph Manuel Farpella

Joseph Manuel Farpella was born September 18, 1931 and passed peacefully into heaven on July 2, 2012 with family and friends by his bedside. Born and raised in Lemoore, CA, Joe quit school early to financially assist his parents and help raise his three younger brothers and his baby sister. He served in the Korean War with the U.S. Army, earning two Bronze Stars during his tour. After serving his country, Joe had a pack station and broke horses near Yosemite before he and his brother built the first antenna system in Oakhurst, CA. In the late 50's he returned to Lemoore and worked with Iseman's Department Store for many years doing all their appliance and tv repairs.

In 1978, he married Mary Jayne; they made Watsonville their home; and they established their business, A-1 Appliance. Joe served Santa Cruz County repairing major appliances until his retirement in 2006.

Joe was a devout Catholic. He loved mediating on the life of Jesus by reciting the rosary. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and eagerly spent his time and energy selling raffle tickets, BBQing, or repairing appliances. Joe's generosity was also evidenced by his service to the VFW and the Church. He was proud of his Portuguese heritage and loved attending all the various Portuguese festivities. Joe loved being with family and friends.

Joe had many hobbies. He enjoyed horse breeding and showing, rodeo, square dancing, bowling, hunting, fishing, and camping (both on horseback in the wilderness and RV).

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Tony, and his sons, Joey, Tim, and Arnold. Joe leaves behind his beloved wife of 34 years, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brothers and his sister and all their families. A vigil service was held on July 10th.

A Memorial Mass with Military Honors will be held for Joe on August 23rd at St. Patrick's Church in Watsonville at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Foundation, P.O. Box 849, Marina, CA 93933 www.CCVCF.com.

For the complete article see the 08-21-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 08-21-2012 paper.

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