NAPA - Joseph “Joe” Carlo Clerici, born April 11, 1927, went peacefully to God, surrounded by his family, early Saturday morning on Jan. 10, 2009.

Joe was born to Carlo and Felicita Clerici in Santa Rosa. They moved to Napa Junction (American Canyon) in 1934, where Joe’s father worked as a section foreman for the railroad. He grew up there, and later he, brother Sam and father Carlo built their homes together with their own hands, all on one street.

Joe started his career at Mare Island Naval Shipyard as an apprentice electrician who excelled rapidly. He joined the Navy and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. Upon return to Mare Island, he worked as an electrical engineer designing deep submersible submarines. He was selected into the nuclear program and was lead electrical engineer on the Trieste. He also worked on the USS Parche, “The most decorated ship in U.S. Naval history.” He continued his career working on special projects throughout the world, including John Hopkins University Applied Science lab, Battelle Memorial Institute, MIT, and Naval Research and Development. His work was his passion and he loved it, working nearly 40 years before retiring. Upon retirement, Joe and his wife Lorraine traveled extensively, including three trips to Italy, where he still has family.

Joe will be remembered for his talents in artistic mediums: acrylics, woodwork, canvas painting, stained glass, decorative welding and his many inventions. Also, his quick wit and the “good jokes” he always had to tell. And more importantly of all, the love and support he unconditionally gave to his family and friends.

His parents, Carlo and Felicita Clerici, brother Sam and son David, predecease Joe. His loving wife of 57 years of marriage, Lorraine, survives Joe. He is also survived by his son, Steve (MaryAnn); sister-in-law Florence Clerici; niece Cindy Fagundes (Marvin); nephew Sam Clerici (Leeann and their sons, Sammy and Tony); and many more relatives and friends whom he loved dearly.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m., at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen St., Napa, CA 94558.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Green Hills Care Home, 115 Thayer Way, American Canyon, CA 94503, or the charity of choice.