Joe Lagozzino was born in Seattle to Italian immigrants, Giuseppe and Louise Lagozzino, the second of their six children. He grew up on Beacon Hill, and attended Franklin High School, where he was student body president and first-team All City for each of his four years on the golf team. If the many inscriptions in his yearbooks can be believed, he was the best dressed boy at Franklin and one of the most sought-after dates! In the pre-war years, Joe was a big band aficionado and old friends tell us he was widely considered one of the best dancers in all of Seattle!

He joined the U.S. Navy in World War II and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wake Island, seeing combat in the Atlantic Theater. Later in the South Pacific, he participated in the invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Battle damage sustained at Iwo Jima eventually forced Joe’s ship back to San Diego. There, during the raucous V-J Day celebration, he met a Kansas farm girl who became his wife and best friend for the next 65 years.

Helen Ann Mullin and Joe were married in Kansas on Valentine’s Day 1946. The newlyweds then made Seattle their home. Joe graduated from the University of Washington. He and Helen started a family during those college years. Joe then began his accounting career while, of course, continuing his golfing career. He played for the UW, and later represented the state of Washington in the National Public Links golf championship on five occasions.

After moving to Portland in 1954, he eventually converted Helen into a golfer, and they enjoyed many golfing trips with friends. He was totally devoted to Helen and, after his retirement, became such an enthusiastic housekeeper that he set a new standard for all his male peers.
Joe and Helen helped found St. John Fisher Catholic Church in 1960, and joined Portland Golf Club in 1961. They have been members at both ever since. Joe was devoted to his family, and loved to spend time with his five grandchildren, attending their events and milestones. He always kept family and friends laughing and entertained, often whether he meant to or not!

Joe died painlessly from stomach cancer Dec. 31, 2010, in the arms of family members. Thanks to all the family members, friends, volunteers, and Legacy Hospice workers who participated in Joe’s care.

Funeral Mass

Noon ,Thursday, January 6, 2011
St. John Fisher Catholic Church