Joseph L. Kimmel

Joseph L. Kimmel Resident of Concord Joe slipped quietly from this life on the morning of December 3, 2010 after a four year effort to overcome cancer. Joe was well known for his tenacity and determination. Life presented Joe with a rough beginning, but this only added to his commitment to make the most of what he was given. He was born in Illinois on March 7, 1936 as the youngest of 8 children. After overcoming numerous hardships in his early years, he graduated high school and went on to serve in the Navy for 4 years before moving to California. He attended Diablo Valley College before proceeding on to San Francisco State where he graduated in 1968 with a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation. He worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor for Northern California for 20 years before moving on to work in the State Department of Corrections as a Parole Agent. Joe ably served in this capacity until his retirement in 1998. While dedicating himself to his family and career, Joe was able to establish and cultivate a series of interests that would occupy him for his entire adult life. His love of nature and the outdoors was fulfilled through camping trips with family and friends. He owned, cared for, and adored numerous furred and feathered pets throughout his lifetime. His love of all things mechanical led to an interest in car repair. He quickly became known as the 'go-to' guy among friends and family whenever car maintenance became an issue. His affinity for motorcycles led to his enthusiastic attendance at the Street Vibrations exhibitions in Reno, NV on several occasions. Beyond all others, Joe is best known for his delight in all things edible. He was at his social best over a good meal and could be counted on to regale his dining companions with amusing stories and anecdotes. Never a finicky eater, Joe was open to all forms of culinary oddities and will always be remembered for the gourmet cat food debacle. Always mindful of the welfare of others, Joe will be remembered as a dedicated volunteer with the Contra Costa Chapter of the Red Cross, as a participant in the Caring Hands Program through John Muir Hospital, and as a provider of roadside assistance through his work with McHugh's Towing. He was a faithful attendee of the Saturday morning Weight Watchers group at Park and Shop, and has gone to his rest still debating the correct pronunciation of the word 'quinoa'. Joe leaves behind Judy, his wife of 50 years; his children Jill, Jeff, and Jason (Carly), as well as three grandchildren. He also leaves a community of friends and other relatives who will remember him with much affection. In Joe's honor, there will be a casual gathering of friends and family from 1:30-4om on Sunday, December 19th at the Live Oak Clubhouse, 5051 Seminole Circle, Concord, CA.

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