Joseph (Joe) Cultrera passed away peacefully on November 21, 2016 in Modesto, California.  He was 91 years old.    Joe was the youngest child of Italian immigrants, Salvatore and Angelina Cultrera.  He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Ray, Busty, and Fran.  He was very close to his family and fondly remembered his childhood in Lawrence, Massachusetts. 
   In 1952, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Greco, and settled in San Jose, California, later moving to Manteca to be closer to family.  He is also survived by his sons, David (Karen) and Steven (Theresa), four grandchildren, Matt (Kimberly), Danielle, Shelley (Robert), and Brian, and great-grandchild, Jack.  His second great-grandson is due in December. 
   Joe proudly served in the United States Army and was a combat veteran of WWII and also served during the Korean War.  He earned the Bronze star for his military service.  He retired from Westinghouse after more than 30 years as a design draftsman.  He was an active member in the American Legion, Manteca VFW, DAV, and St. Patrick’s Men’s Club. 
Joe had the ability to light up a room with his stories and made friends wherever he went.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman all of his life and was well known for always saying “just one more cast” as everyone else was ready to go home for the day.  He will truly be missed by all that were blessed to have known him.
   A viewing will be held Sunday, November 27th, from 2:00-6:00 p.m., followed by a rosary at 6:00 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son, located at 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, CA.  Funeral mass will be Monday, November 28th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located at 19399 E. Hwy 120, Ripon, CA. He will be laid to rest at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
   In lieu of flowers, please lend your support to the Carmelite Monastery, 1000 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050 or the Manteca VFW Post 6311 Legacy Endowment Program, P.O. Box 2191, Manteca, CA 95336.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, November 25, 2016