Sunday, March 25, 2012
In the aftermath of Joe's death, we have found comfort in remembering the fullness of his life and want to dedicate a place where we can save these memories forever. If you would, we would love for you to share the stories of his presence in your life by commenting below (click on the comments link, type your memories in the blank box and click publish) or emailing hway108@yahoo.com. You can always post as an Anonymous user and sign your name so you don't have create an account. No matter how insignificant it may seem to you, any little memory, antic, or remembrance that you noticed will be valued by us forever. Thank you.
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First off, my deepest condolences to Sharyn and the family. Joe is a strong spirited essence.
ReplyDeleteHis great faith in God is memorable over all else.
Ergo, the easy smile on his face !
Peace.
--Denis Pinto
I remember Joe as being so kind and soft spoken. One of my fondest memories of Joe was when he married Kurt and Cali. He spoke so eloquently of love. It was the most beautiful ceremony and he was such a special and important part of that day.
ReplyDeleteI'm missing my friend today. this is the time of the week I would sneak away and spend the rest of the afternoon laughing,talking ,praying with Joe. maybe "get some air", check out the outside of the church end the day the way we used to when we were building the Church,
ReplyDeleteJoe always had the right words to encourage me. He always asked what he could pray for placing others needs before his own which has forever impacted my life to by the grace of God be more others centered. I also got the pleasure of being with him in physical therapy watching him progress with his new legs and doing what i could to assist in his progress. He progressed so quickly surpassing the goals we would set for him even driving well before we thought he could.
ReplyDeleteHis steadfastness and hope in Christ never complaining about his situation was also a full on inspiration to other patients in the PT clinic.
He will be missed, but one of the last things he said to me I will carry carry till it happens 'See you later brother'- Christ in you the hope (or certainty) of glory)!
-Don Anderson
one of the last things he said to me was "tell everyone at the church I love them and am praying for them"
DeleteJoe always was the most encouraging christian man I think that I have ever known. Now Joe is forever out of pain and in the loving arms of his saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." We will miss Joe very much.
ReplyDeleteSharyn, Donna and I love you and will always be here for you. We have lost a dear Christ like man and we loved him dearly.
I first met my Joe on Aug 13, 1948. It was a clear sunny day in summer and my parents were ecstatic. At last there was a male heir to carry on the Alomia name. There was champagne, cigars and many phone calls. My parents always regarded a Friday the 13th as a "lucky" day.
ReplyDeleteDuring infancy, Joe developed a bald spot on the top of his head. For that reason, my parents nicknamed him "CoCo" meaning bald like a coconut. It was an affectionate nickname that stuck with my parents and our family for the rest Joe's life.
One of the incidents I remember most growing up was when I had a stash of "Archie" comic books. Unknown to me, Joe also liked to read them. When my cousin arrived from S. America, not knowing a word of English, Joe proceeded to teach him how to speak English by using my "Archie" comic books as a tutorial. My cousin still credits Joe for teaching him how to speak English! Joe could always make me laugh!
We know that Joe was an avid Giant's fan. Even though we tried to persuade him to share his enthusium for the Oakland A's or Raiders, he would have none of it. He was loyal to his S.F. roots. It was his love of the Giants that actually helped him get through some of his hardest days. In 2010 when he was diagnosed with cancer, and had to undergo radiation and chemo, he told me that the winning of the World Series by the Giants helped uplift those tough days.
My admiration for my brother Joe will never diminish as I remember his faith, courage and resilience in overcoming his many challenges. He never complained to me or played the "pity game."
Well dear brother, I think you are "home" now and in a very select group of special beings. God bless you for truly being "one of a kind."
See you later, Ana
I remember "Uncle Joe", as the fun uncle! We loved as kids to visit Uncle Joe, and to ride in his big truck with his beloved dog "Blue" running beside the truck. I remember Uncle Joe as always smiling and laughing. He had the best sense of humor! I feel glad that his suffering has come to an end and know he is smiling in heaven. He was such a loving and good person.
DeleteWe will always remember Uncle Joe fondly, and God Bless his beautiful daughtors, Sharon, grandchildren, his sister Ana and all those that had the pleasure of loving Joe.
His Loving Neice,
Jackie
I have many fond memories of "uncle Joe". Some of them begin with my parents driving us up to visit Joe and Sharyn while they were running the Mexican restaurant they owned. Or as Jackie mentioned some of them are when Joe would just take us riding in the back of his truck. And then once I began driving Chuck and I would show up at their door totally unplanned. We never gave any advance notice but they always seemed happy to see us. Regardless of what they were doing or what their plans were before we arrived, they always stopped what they were doing and we were able to catch up and laugh. Joe you will always hold a very special place in my heart. I am very proud to call you both my godfather and my uncle. We will miss you!
DeleteMichele Palmer
My sincere condolences go out to Sharon and the whole Alomia family in the loss of your dear Joe. Joe was such a special person to all who knew him. He was the most dedicated, Christ-centered man I think I have ever known. No matter how serious his own circumstances ever were, he was always looking to others instead, to pray for and comfort them. He was the most "others centered" servant I have ever known. We will certainly all miss seeing Joe's smiling face here on earth, but can be filled with Joy, knowing he is now pain-free and walking with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is comforting to know he is looking down upon his family, friends and church and praying for us all. I am praying for strength and comfort for Sharon and the family in the days, weeks and months ahead. In God's precious Blessing, Cathy Smith
ReplyDeleteDear Sharyn, girls and families m Ana and Mike and families,
ReplyDeleteIt is with great respect, love and gratitude that we sent you this message of love, good memories and the most sincere and deepest condolences.
The memory that we will keep always in our hearts is that of our last happy family reunion in San Francisco in Aug. 2009 when he was climbing the steep stairs of Alicita's home with so much courage and determination and with his BIG smile telling us" everything is fine" "I'm here to have a good time"! We sure had a great family reunion and we are so glad we did it!!!!
Also my husband, his cousin, remembers how he taught him how to read and speak English thanks to his Comics books. He also blames his bad spelling on the learning of English from Comic books.
For us "Coco" as we called him, he was all courage, fortitude, determination and most of all PEACE inside and out!!! What a great legacy he left us.
Even on our last visit in Feb. 2012 he greeted us with a BIG smile and welcome us to his home, family and world with such pride and love. Thanks Coco and family! It was a nice and peaceful farewell. We're glad we did!
We'll be with you spiritually tomorrow and always.
Our love to his memory and beloved family.
Ed and Renée Andrade
I never looked forward to working with anyone as much as with Joe. I knew we would be laughing, smiling, and talking politics all day long; except, of course, when the Giants game was on.
ReplyDeleteThis amazing guy and his contagious sense of humor touched many of us and will be missed by all. Our thoughts will be with you tomorrow.
Jeff Manke
Greta Olafsson
As I'm thinking about my Uncle Joe, the main thing that always jumps out to me is that he always had a sparkle in his eyes. He had a witty sense of humor that I always enjoyed. My Uncle was easy to talk to, whether we were talking about sports or about life. I will miss you, I know you are looking over us with a sparkle in your eye!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to Sharyn and all the family!
Chris Schirmer
We will remember Joe always, his warmth and kindness and sincere care for others showed through. In Aug. 1999, he performed our dear friend's funeral service (Lois Whitehead). It was appropriate since he had visited with her many times at her house, and she was greatly encouraged by that. He read and spoke about the 23rd Psalm, and then at the grave site he read Psalm 116 - it was beautiful and from his heart. Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10
ReplyDeleteKip & Melisa
So many warm memories of Joe! The most special memroy to me has to be the way he dealt with physical ailments, always putting aside his own burdens to reach out to others and encourage them. Just last fall when Dave was recovering from knee surgery, Joe wrote him a heartfelt, encouraging message in a card that we will treasure always. Joe gave us an example of not being OCCUPIED by the cares of this life. How we all wish he had not had to suffer so much and that he could have had many more years here, but we rejoice that he is with our Father in heaven, healed and whole. Lifting the family in prayer through your great loss.
ReplyDeleteMy first experience with Joe was the week after our first visit to Calvary Chapel. Joe called me up and we chatted a bit, then he asked if I had any needs he could pray for. That touched my heart, and he indeed prayed for my family. That was the epitome of who Joe was - a man looking to the needs of others, no matter his circumstances. He was a fine example and role model for us all-to love Jesus first and then others before ourselves. We will miss you Joe. Grace and blessings to the whole family.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Vistica
Joe’s gentle wisdom soothed us whenever he preached or counseled in his humble, sincere way. When a stressful issue with extended family hit home in the late ‘90’s, Joe counseled Dennis, prayed with us, and was available to call when things heated up—a turning point in the situation.
ReplyDeleteWhat a loving family you are. We loved seeing the girls openly giving Joe hugs and affection, even as teenagers. And we were inspired knowing that Sharyn often stayed by Joe’s side during hospital stays, reading the bible aloud to nourish him.
While driving out of town last week I was reading to Dennis a bible study assignment on James 1:2-3. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” One of the definitions for the Greek word for perseverance is “heroic endurance.” The question asked in the book: “Who have you seen it in and how?” Of course we simultaneously answered, “Joe!” Joe not only demonstrated heroic endurance, but he kept his pure joy and wonderful sense of humor as he finished his race. We miss him, and love you guys.
Debbie Townsend
So, trying not to use too many words, Joe was just an amazing dude to know. His love for Jesus. His love for life. His love in general was felt the minute you met him. Of all the countless counciling sessions (because I did something to make my wife angry), One of the last times we spoke Joe had asked how my dad was doing. Because of a failed back, my dad is in pain and can barely walk most days, so my immediate response was "Can you imagine not being able to get out of bed or walk Joe?" After the laughter, and of course my pleading for forgiveness, Joe looked at me and simply said "Yes, I can". The thing is, I never saw Joe any differently then when I first met him 15 years ago. Without hands, without half his legs, or whatever, Joe to me never changed. He would tell me to get out and walk while I had my health and my youth. Enjoy the kids and my wife and to LOVE my wife. When he said he used to like to run, I asked why and he said "Cause there was a fat guy chasing me!" When my father in law passed away December 30, 2011 Joe called or texted every night that week praying for us. One of his last prayers with me on the phone he repeated "Help them Lord, Help them" about 25 times in a row. He was so compassionate about it. So much in 15 years, this is only a tidbit. Sharyn, girls, and family, thanks for sharing Joe with us and allowing him to do what he was called to do. Can't wait to go running on the crystal shores with him someday. :)
ReplyDeleteMy best memories of Joe were the times he would call our home or our office just to see how we were doing. He would ask about things that he knew were on our hearts and pray with us right then and there. What a blessing that was.
ReplyDeleteI was always amazed when we would see him in the hospital and he would truly be more concerned for us than for himself – even with the obvious pain and discomfort he was experiencing. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone as “others centered” as Joe. We were honored and humbled when Joe would tell us how he and Sharyn had been thinking of us and praying for us and for our family.
I have such great admiration for you Sharyn. What courage, endurance and great love you had in caring for Joe.
We will keep your family in our prayers.
~Vicki Albrecht
so I guess I am always late to the party..I want to put my words into cyberspace because I have been missing Joe these days...I really couldn't spend much time on my feelings of loss because my husband Dan lost the best friend he ever had in Jesus beside his brother David..then my sweet friend Sharyn who became such a surprise friend because our two crazy husbands had such an affinity. And then there was Josie with sweet Sophie and Mia..then sweet Joe jr,,, Danitra, then Kali then Pilar...all of these finding there way into my heart and expanding it. All being joined by one...Joe Alomia. A patriarch in the truest most noble sense of the word...a man who led by loving servanthood. In this last week, my husband was gone for a few days putting in wooden floors throughout my Mom's home in Mountain View. I found a notebook filled with notes he wrote about his friend Joe...I wept. I kept on weeping passed my husband;s pain and loss, passed Sharyn's agony..passed those sweet daughters of his and their babies and all the incredible loss his passing has impacted our fellowship and I touched on my own loss. What Joe meant to me. Joe was the brother I could go to when I was angst. He was not offended by my questions nor moved by my doubts. I was his sister. I will
ReplyDeletemiss my friend that got who I was and more..that got who Jesus is...I pray we can learn to magnify the Lord like Joe..His Kingdom would surely come...Carol Salado Fox