Joseph A. Proietti

Joseph A. Proietti was born in San Francisco, California on February 1, 1931. He was the only child of his Italian immigrant parents, Joseph and Cristina Proietti. Joe was raised on a commercial nursery in the East Bay; as a part of a large extended family. He attended San Francisco City College and began his career with Hartford Insurance Company in San Francisco. Early on Joe began working for the Swift Company as a salesman; which brought him and his family to Merced in 1956 where he raised his four children.

After leaving Swift, he and Lou Gonella went into business together with Joe and Lou’s Liquors. They also raised tomatoes together. Later Joe returned to his first career, insurance, and began a long-term partnership with Lorenzi-Massaso Insurance Agency.

He was always active in the community; was President of the Our Lady of Mercy Dads Club, active in the St. Patrick’s Men’s Club, The Merced Boosters Club, Merced Trade Club, was a Past President and long-time member of the Italo-American Lodge, Merced Elks Lodge #1240 B.P.O. E., and Kiwannis. Joe always loved attending the Theatre in San Francisco and eating at his favorite Italian restaurants in the City. In 1992 he married his loving wife, Dot. They enjoyed entertaining, and many people remember their famous Super Bowl parties. After his retirement, he and Dot, enjoyed traveling (especially to Hawaii), and spending time with family.

Joe is survived by his wife, Dot Proietti; daughter, Debra Walton (Dana) of Mariposa; son, Donald Proietti (Melissa); son, David Proietti (Lisa) of Grand Junction, CO; daughter, Denise Miller (Steve) of Coarsegold; step-children, Debra Wilson (Ray) of Atwater, Staci Martinez (Tony) of Modesto; Suzanne Kohlberg (Jim) of Portola Valley, Michael Cole (Anna) of San Francisco; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street Merced. The Vigil Service With Rosary will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 459 West 21st Street Merced. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Graveside services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s honor to the Dr. Frank M. Longo M.D. Alzheimer’s Association, 300 Pasteur Drive A301, Palo Alto, CA 94304 or Hinds Hospice, 410 West Main Street, Merced, CA 95340.