Joseph G. Vega
January 9, 1925 - April 8, 2017
A true gentleman, devoted husband, father and family man passed away peacefully. Joe was predeceased by his wife Evelyn and daughter Anna Maria. He leaves daughters Christina, Carla and husband Robert Kennis, his son Joseph and wife Lisa, grandsons Kevin and Matthew Kennis, Roger and Joey Vega, sister, Rosemarie Parham and beloved nieces and nephews.
Born in Carlin, NV to Guillermo Vega and Francisca Lara. With brothers, Ramon and Rafael, and sister Rosemarie, Joe spent his youth excelling at Carlin Schools, playing basketball, hunting, ice-skating and sledding in the Nevada country side. When Joe turned 18 in 1943, he left high school to serve in the United States Army. As a member of the 104 Medical Battalion, 29th Infantry Division, he followed the 29th onto Omaha Beach, through Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. Upon discharge in 1946, Joe joined his family who had relocated to Oakland.
Joe received a B.S. in Foreign Trade from Armstrong College in Berkeley. After graduation he joined his brother Rafael to work at Italian Swiss Colony where they sold California wines world-wide. He would often greet customers from Europe, South America or Asia, at top San Francisco Hotels, drive up to the Asti Winery, wine, dine and then close a deal on a bulk cargo of wine. He boosted morale for the Italian, French and United States Navies who were among his major accounts. He enjoyed a VIP status at the Alameda NAS and was often invited to Top Brass events.
Joe met his future wife Evelyn Russo at Italian Swiss. They shared great times at sales events, wine tastings, dinner and dancing at San Francisco iconic locations with customers and dignitaries from around the world. The fun continued when Joe and Evelyn were married in 1954.
With the arrival of their children, Joe and Evelyn became involved parents with St. Augustine’s School and Church. Joe was the distilled spirit connection for the Sacramental wine and beverages for many fund raisers and dinners. Joe kept things well stocked and ready for the lively event planning evenings that sometimes turned into early mornings. Joe perfected fried eggs, potatoes and bacon always served with warm crisp tortillas. He and Evelyn enjoyed entertaining guests and prepared delicious meals with Latin, Italian or the great vocalists playing in the background. Joe and Evelyn cherished all of their friends and neighbors in the Rockridge area.
Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather always available for his children. In later years Joe and Evelyn were always together on their daily journeys through the neighborhood. In 2010, at 85 years old, after suffering a fractured pelvis, Joe soldiered his way back and was walking again in six weeks. Despite good physical health, After Evelyn’s passing in January 2015, Joe Jr, wife Lisa, children Roger and Joey cared for Joe at his home until June of 2016. With further decline in health, Joe was moved to Gines Residential Care Facility in Alamo where he received excellent, loving care.
Services will be held on Saturday June 3rd, at 2:00PM at Newman HallHoly Spirit Church, 2700 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA, followed by a life celebration nearby. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the Holy Names High School Anna Maria Vega Scholarship Fund at 4660 Harbord Drive, Oakland, CA 94618 are appreciated.