December 8, 1935 – September 15, 2017
Joseph J. Tomasello died unexpectedly but peacefully at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital September 15, 2017. He was 81.
Born in Watsonville to Mary (Crosetti) and Antonio Tomasello December 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, served in the U.S Army from 1060-62. 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’ Asso and the Salinas Valley Grower-Shipper Asso, 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 is preceded in death by his son, Mark, and his sister, Edith Young.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, September 25, 2017, at 1:00pm, at Our Lady Help of Christians, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, followed by burial in the family vault at Valley Catholic Cemetery.
Mehl’s Colonial Chapel has been entrusted the funeral arrangements.
Joseph J. Tomasello
