Obituary of Joseph Tranchina

Born in 1931 in San Francisco to Salvator “Jim” and Katherine (Jelich) Tranchina, Joe grew up in San Jose, graduated from Lincoln High School, and served in the US Navy.  A Pac Bell lineman for over 40 years, he made true friends whom he kept for life. Moving to Santa Cruz in 1985, he continued his cigar smoking, airedale spoiling, 49er Faithful ways.

Preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Margaret Kay “Maggie” (Lynch) Tranchina.

Throughout his life, Joe traveled extensively, collecting coins, hats, masks, and phallics from around the world. He loved a great restaurant, a neighborhood dive, and he knew a real martini could only be made with gin.

Joe is missed and fondly remembered by his daughter Julia (Jean); stepdaughters katherine (Don) and Cynthia; brother Walter; grandchildren Ramona, Hector, Rhiannon, Lauren, and Cameron; nephew Jeff; and former spouse Norvelle.

Gravesite service for Joe and Maggie will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday 22 December at Oakwood Memorial Park (3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA  95065) with reception following at The Chaminade. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you honor Joe's love of dogs and donate to Santa Cruz Animal Shelter scanimalshelter.org/donate.