Joseph DeSoto

Joseph attended public schools in Honolulu. The attack on Pearl Harbor ended his high school career prematurely as he joined the Pearl Harbor Fire Department in early December of 1941. He joined the United States Navy in 1942. Aboard ship he saw combat in the Philippines and repatriated Japanese prisoners of war from China. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He was an Army Reservist from 1948-58 as a first lieutenant, military police.

The GI Bill enabled Joseph to graduate from San Jose State College with a major in Administration of Justice--Criminal Law. There he was a member of the Chi Pi Sigma Police Fraternity and a competitive boxer on the varsity boxing team.

His career in Worker's Compensation spanned 35 years at Transport Indemnity, Fidelity Surety, CNA, Transamerica, CIGNA, with 21 years at Fireman's Fund Insurance, San Jose. He was a Master Mason and Sciots, and a member of the Boots & Bloomers Square Dance Club of Milpitas.

In retirement he worked part time for Stanford University as Security Event Personnel for 15 years and as a County Election Precinct clerk and inspector. He frequented Mil's Diner and the local Denny's, enjoyed all sports, especially golf, football and horseshoes.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha DeSoto of Castro Valley, his beloved wife of 52 years, Louise, and his oldest son, Syd. He is survived by his son and caregiver, Carl, of Milpitas: his daughter Sylvia Lindgren, son-in-law, Brian Lindgren and two grandsons, Caleb and Adam Lindgren all of the Seattle area; his sister, Virginia Cook of Alabama; and his brother, Roger DeSoto of Union City; and "adopted daughter" (foreign exchange student), Tomoe Fujimoto of Tokyo, Japan. He is greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Milpitas High School Band Booster's (to be filled in later by Sylvia) .....

A celebration of life memorial service was held for Joseph on May 18, 2014. He and his wife, Louise are interred at Lima Family Cedar Lawn Milpitas-Fremont.

Arrangements under the direction of Lima Family Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary, Fremont, CA.