Childhood

Joe was raised in El Cajon, California. As a youngster Joe loved playing sports. He was active in little league baseball and enjoyed playing tag football in grade school. Joe’s passion for sports was second only to his desire to keep up with his older brothers. Joe adored his brothers and wanted to be just like them.

Joe also enjoyed camping, fishing, and backpacking with family and friends. He loved being in the outdoors and was a fan of walking on the beach. One of Joe’s earliest hobbies was collecting sea shells from the beach. Joe continued this hobby throughout his life even while he was in Honolulu for the 1977 Hula Bowl. Joe brought home several sea shells from Hawaii to add to his collection.