You could say he walked with a bit of a swagger as he entered a room, his eyes told a story, and his smile warmed your heart. There was something about him, a craisma, a light, a feeling of calm in his presence. He was our voice of reason, our rock. The world as we knew it, has changed for ever, and is that less bright.

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Joseph Angelo Musone. On May 3rd, with his loving wife by his side, Joe received his wings and was reunited with his family in Heaven.

Joe, also known as “Sonny” by family and friends growing up, was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania on October 13, 1933. He grew up in a big, loving, Italian family in Hornell, New York where family time and gatherings were a normal occurrence. At a young age, Joe worked delivering newspapers, and helping neighbors shovel snow. When he was a bit older, he worked as a lifeguard at the local pool and set pins at the bowling alley. After High School, in 1952, he joined and served in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Korea during the Korean Conflict and served as a Hydraulics specialist until 1956. Joe studied at the University of Houston, Louisiana College, Auburn University, and Louisiana State University, taking courses in accounting and engineering. He later worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 30 years. He started out in research administration in Montgomery, Alabama and then in 1975 worked as contracting officer for Six Rivers National Forest in Eureka. In 1982, he was awarded a certificate of Merit for providing high quality service and work during a period of fiscal constraints and personnel reductions. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service in 1982. Joe worked along with planning developers as a program specialist for the city of Eureka for a short time before going on to work for Humboldt County Public Guardian’s Office as a deputy.

In Joe’s free time he enjoyed taking his wife out dancing, playing racketball, pool, ping pong and golf. Two of his favorite things to do were watching Notre Dame football and spending time laughing and celebrating with family and friends. He loved visiting his family back East when he could. He missed his family that was not near and would talk of them often by telling stories of the good old days. He always held them close to his heart. If you knew Joe, you knew that besides being a great guy, he loved to tease, joke and even pull pranks. He especially got kicks out of his adventures and the fun he shared with longtime friend, Craig Miller, “two wild and crazy guys!” Joe always looked forward to creating fun and loving memories by taking his family camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. He liked volunteering, coaching youth football, and took pride in coaching his daughters in softball for years. He supported them at all their sporting events and extra curricular activities. Joe loved watching his grandchildren grow and spending time with them. He always said how they kept him young and on his toes. He was an amazing Nonne (Grandfather) to them all. He was their dancing partner, their snuggle buddy, jokester and Hero. Joe also looked after and cared for his younger brother Gary (who was born with Cerebral Palsy) after their parents had passed. He volunteered his time at Eureka HCAR Center, where his brother attended classes. Joe spent several years on the Humboldt County Grand Jury where he found interest in the courts and the cases. He was a proud member of St. Joseph’s Parish and the Knights of Columbus in Fortuna, as well as the “Blues Brothers” Baseball team, Redwood Empire Golf, and the Elks Club.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Deanna Musone, and their two daughters, Meghan Musone Heald (Josh), and Nicole Musone Miller (Shaun) as well as daughters Karen Musone Hill, and Lisa Musone, along with his nine grandchildren (Chrystal, Carmen, Ashley, Brody, Hannah, Lilly, Jordyn, Briar Rose and Gianna) and seven great-grandchildren (Cody, Lakyn Caylee, Asher, Casyn, Haidyn and Emma); niece Kim Drepensted Bossard (David); sisters-in-law Karen Sanderson and Dixie Morris (Gary) and Brother in Law Michael Nothem. He also leaves behind many special cousins and friends that were a lot like siblings to him growing up and in his later years. He is preceded in death by his mother, Rose Galle Musone, his father, Joseph Musone, sisters Marie Musone Drepensted, Jeannie Musone Shutz, brother Gary Musone, son-in-law Charlie Hill and brother-in-law Dan Sanderson.

Joe loved any reason to get together with family and friends. Good food, wine, and music were always a must. These gatherings will not be the same without him. He enjoyed life, never complained, had a kind heart and a beautiful smile.

We hope you are at rest, or better yet, dancing and laughing with loved ones within the pearly gates. Please know that your stories, your love and your spirit will live on through all who loved you!

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at the Historic Scotia Lodge on August 27th. We urge all who knew and loved Joe to come celebrate his life and share a story or two. Reach out with any questions to mmusone@aol.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Eureka HCAR, Hospice of Humboldt, St. Joseph’s Parish Knights of Columbus (Fortuna) and/or the Italian Civic Club in Meadville, PA.

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