Joseph Michael Manisco

Joseph Michael Manisco, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2024, at the age of 68, surrounded by family. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to his family, Catholic faith, and many cherished friendships.

Born to Carl and Angela Manisco on January 11, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, Joe moved to Encino at the age of one. He attended Crespi High School, UCLA and Loyola Law School. It was during law school that Joe met the love of his life, Penny Ponder, through friends, at a Los Angeles bar. Penny was a USC Trojan, but he was somehow able to look past this, and he was glad he did. Despite this character flaw, he always told her she was “the best wife he ever had.” Joe and Penny were married 42 happy years.

After graduating from Law School in 1981, Joe went on to have a successful legal career as a real estate attorney working as in-house counsel at Lewis Homes, KB Home and K. Hovnanian Homes before moving into private practice to represent homebuilders in real estate transactions. He was well regarded and respected in his field, and served as a mentor and friend to the many colleagues he met over his 43-year long career.

Joe was a dedicated father to his three children, Matthew, Kacie, and Brett. Over the years he coached countless baseball, basketball and soccer teams and attended hundreds of sporting events, Boy Scout outings and band competitions. He took great pride in his children’s accomplishments, and served as a constant source of strength, support and wisdom throughout their lives. He was also active in his community, volunteering for Big Brothers and serving on the board of the YMCA.

Joe loved his son-in-law, Dante, and daughter-in-law, Kristin, like his own. His greatest joy came from being a grandfather to his four grandchildren - Julian, Sofia, Olivia and Maya - and he cherished every moment spent with them.

In his later years, Joe enjoyed traveling with his family, making it to 44 states and every continent except Australia. He was passionate about fitness, LA sports, and all things UCLA. During football season, you could often find him tailgating before UCLA games at the Rose Bowl with his fraternity brothers. We take solace in the fact that he will not have to suffer through another terrible Bruin season ever again.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, and he is survived by his siblings Carl (Sharon), Catherine (Steven), wife, children and grandchildren.

Joe's legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he has touched. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his strength, kindness, wisdom, wit, and unwavering devotion to his faith, family and friends.

A Rosary at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach, California on October 11, with a lunch reception to follow at Back Bay Bistro.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's memory to the Crespi High School Guy Arbogast '74 Memorial Scholarship Fund, a cause close to his heart.