Joe Lewis

January 11, 1924 to October 3, 2011

Joe Lewis (Joey) was born in Hemet, California. He spent the first 15 years of his life on the family farm before coming to San Diego to work in the tuna fishing industry. He started on iceboats and at an early age, worked up to tuna boat captain. He had a long and successful career in purse seine fishing and was well known and respected in the fishing industry.

After 51 years of fishing the Western Pacific and East Atlantic off of Africa, Joey began a second career with Casamar, Inc in 1981, supplying purse seine nets and fishing vessel supplies to the tuna fleet. He started in sales and grew with the company businesses around the world, eventually becoming the chief operating officer. He worked full time until his mid-eighties. He was well liked and known to be honest and fair – his word was his bond; his life was his work.

In 1973 Joey married Lorraine and was instantly part of a large and extended family who all loved ‘Dad’ and ‘Uncle Joey’. He truly loved his wife and always took care of his family, no matter what. He was kind, loving and generous. He made all of us laugh with his personality, pranks, jokes and witticisms. He was proud of his Portuguese heritage and was President of the UPSES Festa in 1979 and again in 1987. He loved animals and in his later years was rarely seen without a dog in his arms. Joey was well loved and respected by his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Joey is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lorraine Silva Lewis, children Lynn Lewis of Molokai, HI, Steve Lewis of Houston, TX, Joe Lewis; stepchildren Valerie Reeder, Lori Bonesteel (Scott), Joseph Codinha, Michele Messier; granddaughter Karie Lewis; brother John Lewis of Hemet, CA; sisters Anne Machado, Angie Callahan (Ed); Joey’s dog, Bella.

Visitation will be Sunday 10/9 at Beardsley-Mitchell in Ocean Beach from 5 to 8 pm with recitation of the rosary at 7:00; Mass at St Agnes Church on Monday at 10:00 with recitation of the rosary at 9:30; burial immediately following at Holy Cross. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to San Diego Humane Society or Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements under the direction of Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home, San Diego, CA.