Joseph N Sonsini

Joseph N. Sonsini, age 99, of Grants Pass, died May 15, 2019 at a local assisted living facility.

Joseph was born October 16, 1919 in Rome, New York to James & Celia (Semo) Sonsini. He attended trade school to become a certified tool and die maker. He enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged December 24, 1945. While still in the Navy, he married Julia G. Baldini in Alameda, California. He then returned to New York where he lived for five years before moving back to Southern California where he worked for Hughes, Lockhead, and Northrop Grumman Corporation in the aerospace industry. He was a quality control specialist. In 1979 he moved from Studio City to Ashland and in 1980 moved to Grants Pass. He worked in quality control for GP OTP and then worked part-time for Henderson Line-up until age 85.

Joseph was an ordained Presbyterian Elder in Southern California and after moving to Oregon taught Bible study and sang in the choir at First Baptist Church here in Grants Pass.

Joseph especially loved to sing and when he was younger, he sang with various orchestras and acted in local theater. Throughout his marriage to Julia, they sang duets together.

He loved to talk and debate and as a member of Toastmasters received many awards.

After his first wife died before him, Joseph married Alma Martin and they developed chaplaincy at Countryside Village for 12 years. Joseph preached the message while Alma played the organ.

Survivors include his wife, Alma Sonsini of Grants Pass; son Joseph A. Sonsini of Grants Pass; two daughters Cecille Mills of Camarillo, California and Bonita Wyke of Jacksonville, Florida; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the staff of Cascade of Grants Pass – The Village and Countryside Village for their excellent and compassionate care of their father.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.