Joseph Michael Passaglia

Joseph Matthew Passaglia was born June 5, 1960 in Bakersfield, California to Fernando (Fred) and Sira (Paganucci) Passaglia.

He passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026 at UCLA Medical Center after a long illness.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said. “Every man is my teacher in that I may learn from him”. This was the ideal Joe lived by. He was a gentle, kind man, the person everyone would want to get to know. He was raised in an Italian Catholic family with a deep love for his family and church where he served as an altar boy, and later as a Lector. Joe was Sergeant-at-Arms for the Italian Catholic Federation at St. Francis Church for many years. He was also a regimented blood donor with over 15 gallons donated.

Joe worked for Joseph Andre at Andres Drive-in for over 25 years and never missed a day of work for any reason. His final employment saw him work at All American Carpet, where he never missed a day there as well in 14 years. Joe lived with his mother Sira until her passing in 2015. He then lived with his brother Mike and sister-in-law Elaine. Joe was an avid comic book collector and enjoyed all the super heroes especially Superman. Joe enjoyed all the family gatherings, especially Easter and the Christmas Eve get togethers.

We take comfort in knowing that he is at the right hand of our Savior, assisting with whatever is needed, because that’s what he did, it’s what he was. He is with his Mom and Dad again! Joe will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Anthony Gerard Passaglia; paternal grandparents Fernando Passaglia and Ida Antongiovanni; maternal grandparents Angelo and Dina Paganucci.

Joseph is survived by his brothers Michael Passaglia (Elaine), niece Marcella Passaglia. Mark Passaglia (Julie), niece Dina Passaglia, and many cousins. He had a special relationship with his cousin Allen Edgar Watts III (Crystal) and their children, Ashley (Luke) Choate, Kristen (Joey) Zasoski, Jessica (Derek) Bee.

We would like to thank the staff at UCLA Ronald Reagan medical center for all that they did for Joe. A special thank you to Marcella, Allen, Crystal, Barbara, Fred, Paul, Leonard, BG, Fr. Joseph, Tammy, Monica, Annette, Kimberly and Tommy and all the rest of you for all your prayers and support.

Joe’s service will be on April 10th 2026 at 9:30 a.m. (Rosary) and 10:00 a.m. (Funeral Mass) at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1800 Bedford Way, Bakersfield, California. Interment to follow at Greenlawn on River Boulevard.