WATSONVILLE — Joseph J. Tomasello died unexpectedly but peacefully at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. He was 81.
Born in Watsonville to Mary (Crosetti) and Antonio Tomasello Dec. 8, 1935, he attended Bellarmine College Prep and earned his business degree from Santa Clara University in 1958.
Mr. Tomasello married Lori Triolo in July 1959, and served in the U.S Army from 1960-62. Following his service, he returned to the family farming business in Watsonville for the next 40 years. He served on the board of the Western Growers’ Association and the Salinas Valley Grower-Shipper Association, serving as President in 1972-73. He and Lori built a home in Gilroy and raised their three children there. In his retirement he enjoyed golf, travel and cooking and serving his “Nona’s” favorite Italian dishes.
Mr. Tomasello is survived by his children, Mimi (Steve) Riffle and Tim (Kristen) Tomasello; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark; and his sister, Edith Young.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians, 2401 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, followed by burial in the family vault at Valley Catholic Cemetery. Mehl’s Colonial Chapel has been entrusted the funeral arrangements.
