Per the request of our good friends at Risher Mortuary and the family of Joseph "Joe" Sapia has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey.
It will be our honor to do so.
Joe was born in Pedace, Italy on 30 November 1920 and entered into Eternal Rest on 12 August 2021 at this home in Downey.
At the age of nine years, Joe came to the U.S. to live with his parents in Dearborn, Michigan. While in school in Dearborn, Joe found a passion for music, learning to play drums, piano, and clarinet.
Joe proudly served in the Army National Guard from 01 October 1938 to 06 April 1941 and then the U.S. Army from 07 April 1941 to 23 November 1945 during World War II. While in the Army he was a Bandsman. He played the snare drums on dance work and played the clarinet in the military band. He also played bass(string) in dance band and read music for both clarinet and drums. He was an Expert with the Carbine. His awards/citations included 2 Service Stripes, 1 Overseas Service Bar, American Defense Service Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with/1 Bronze Battle Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was involved in campaigns in Central Europe. At the time of his honorable discharge as a TEC-4, Joe was in the Division Band, 20th Armored Division at Camp Grant, Illinois.
Joe was a Tool and Die Maker for Continental Can Company in Los Angeles for over forty years.
Joe's outside interest was music and was involved in many interests and events in the community. Joe was also part of a 3-piece musical combo, playing the drums and performing special private events.
Joe is survived by his two daughters, Rose and Connie, and two sons, Sam and Robert.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
The weather is predicted to be hot so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat; it can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
Time Table for Wednesday 25 August 20210945 – Stage at St. Raymond’s Catholic Church, 12348 Paramount Blvd., Downey
https://goo.gl/maps/bTNyxNy2ZZsULLf1A1015 – Mission Briefing
1045 – Flag line as our Hero is moved to the coach.
1100 – KSU to All Souls Cemetery, 4400 Cherry Ave., Long Beach
https://goo.gl/maps/py4JqiH7ojME6r9q71130 – Proceed to assigned Gravesite for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
Mike “Joker” Courtright
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
