Joe was born February 23, 1918 in Gilroy, CA. Joe is survived by his four children: sons Robert (Barbara) Shingai, Dan Shingai (Gloria Campodonica), Wayne (Mary Ann) Shingai; daughter, Patti (Larry) Yamada; grandchildren: Stephanie Shingai (Jeff Fong), Matthew Shingai, Gregory and Nicole Yamada, Kelli and Dana Shingai; one brother, Isamu Sam (Sumi) Shingai.
His death was preceded by the passing of his wife of 63 years, Tsunaye Jean Shingai and brother, Isaac and sisters, Fukiye and Chiyoko,
Growing up in Castroville, CA, Joe was one of five children, born to Tomizo and Seko Shingai. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence Service (M.I.S.) as a Technical Sargent. Following the war, he relocated with his family to San Juan Bautista.
He later married Tsunaye Jean Shingai in June 1948. He was borned to be a farmer. He took great pride in his vegetables. He stopped working in the fields at age 88 but continued to take produce to the market with son Bob until a couple of weeks before he died.
Most of all, he found great pleasure being with family and enjoying his six grandchildren. He was a member of the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, San Benito HowaKai, San Benito County J.A.C.L. and the San Juan V.F.W. Post. A recent highlight of his life was when he received the Congressional Gold Medal on his 94th birthday this past February 2012 for his service in the Military Intelligence Service during World War II. This medal is the highest civilian award given to individuals who performed an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity and national interest of the United States.
Memorial service will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012, at 2:00 P.M., Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA.
Visit www.grunnagle.com to send condolences.
Private interment will take place at a later date.
