Joe Jess Totorica was born Jan. 5, 1931, in Oakland, Calif., to his parents Jose and Hattie May Totorica, and died on Sept. 7, 2012, the result of leukemia. He was 81 years old.

Joe is survived by two older sisters, Margaret and Alta; wife, Bobbie; his children, Joseph, Frank, Mark and Robin; their spouses; grandkids; and great-grandkids.

Joe loved his family, his life was a good one and we all loved each other in a great family relationship.

Joe graduated from Alameda High School in February l949 and later attended Diablo Valley College and John F. Kennedy University in Contra Costa  County under the GI Bill.

Prior to World War II, Joe as a young man moved to Alameda, Calif., with his mom, dad, three sisters and one brother.

Joe had a paper route during World War II, drove an ice truck delivering ice in the late war years, worked for his father in their Party Potato Chip plant, worked for San Jose Steel Co. building the Oakland freeways and the Soledad State Prison before joining the United States Marine Corps on February l9, l951.

Joe served in Korea, receiving the Purple Heart for injuries received in July 1952 and was discharged on Feb. 19, 1954, as a staff sergeant.

While in the Marine Corps he met and fell in love with his wife, Bobbie, an Alameda resident. They were married on Feb 21, 1954, eventually raising three boys and one girl. Bobbie was his treasure and they were partners for 58 years enjoying family, travel and good times together.

His loving mother-in-law Rose Vierra, still living, and father-in-law Frank Vierra were a happy part of his life. Frank predeceased Joe.

In September 1955 Joe was hired by the Alameda Police Department and worked there until his retirement in 1980. He attained the rank of lieutenant before retiring.

Joe attended the FBI National Academy, 92nd session, and graduated with scholastic excellence. In 1980 Joe and Bobbie and eventually his family moved to Lake County, where they still reside.

While residing in Lake County Joe worked for the Middletown Unified School District as a maintenance and grounds director for two years; for the Lake County Office of Education from 1985 to 1995, where he developed the current truancy reduction program, and was the lone truancy officer for all Lake County Schools for 10 years.

Joe also worked for the Clearlake Police Department from 1995 until 2000 as an administrative analyst and was charged with the task of equipment purchase and installation, and moving the police department  from an old building to its present location.

Following this task as a licensed private investigator he worked for several attorneys in Lake County, served court process, performed police background investigations and worked many other type cases. His association with Lake County’s dedicated law enforcement personnel was an added highlight in his career.

Joe loved his life, especially his family and his various occupations over the years, and was a qualified cabinet maker, performing wood working tasks that gave him pleasure as a hobby. He pleased people with wood projects they needed to make their life happier or more comfortable.

Joe had many “special” friends who he loved and was proud to spend quality time with them in a variety of ways. His sense of humor was always sharp and witty and his friendships and love for his family and friends was never ending.

Joe was a 48-year member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was active with the Alameda, Clearlake and Lakeport Elks lodges. He also was a member of Rotary in Alameda, Lakeport Sons in Retirement, Kelseyville Lions Club, Sons of Italy, the American Legion in Kelseyville and many community service organizations.

Our family loved and will miss “Pops.” In many ways he was our rock. He loved and was very pleased with how his children have developed into good citizens and professionals in their fields. His family of in-laws of every type gave him pleasure and he loved them also.

Joe’s life was good and the way his leukemia progressed allowed him special time with family and friends before he passed. It was quality time, warm, loving and connecting.

Graveside services will be private at Kelseyville Cemetery. His remains have been entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport, 707-263-0357.

A Catholic Mass will be offered at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 801 N. Main St. in Lakeport on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m.

Following the Mass a reception will take place at the Son’s of Italy in Nice, 2817 W. Highway 20. There will be a hosted Italian lunch. A no host bar will be available. All family and friends are encouraged to attend to celebrate his life.

The wonderful Lake County Military Honors Team will perform their service for a veteran who has left us. A United States Marine Corps Detachment and a chaplain also will officiate.

And from our Pops, he leaves this message: “Thank you for the pleasures you have all provided and your friendship and love. ‘Semper Fi’ and goodbye to all.”