Joe D. Balocco
Aug. 29, 1919-May 29, 2012
Woodside, California

Joseph Dominic Balocco, 92, of Woodside, Calif., passed away from natural causes on May 29, 2012, in Indian Wells, Calif. Joe was born in Redwood City on Aug. 29, 1919, and was the youngest of six children. His parents, Catherine and Christopher, came to the United States from Italy settling first in San Francisco and then moving to Redwood City after the 1906 earthquake.

Joe served during World War II for the U.S. Army in the 84th infantry under the "rail-splitters" division; 333 anti-tank Battalion. After the war, Joe married his wife Sarah on June 22, 1947, and had their son Richard in 1949. After Richard was born, Joe built a new home for their family in Woodside where he resided until his death.

Joe and Aldo Fontana owned and operated Fontana gardening nursery on Woodside road for over 35 years. After retiring he continued to enjoy his garden and would grow some of the best produce known to mankind!

Joe was a man of the earth and enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, cooking and bocce ball. He was proud of his Italian heritage and belonged to the Menlo Club and the ICF. He is survived by his wife Sarah, son Richard and his fiancée Loretta Ferraro, two grandchildren Ross Balocco and Landis Lagui, and his great granddaughter Kaia Balocco.

Tags: veteran, business