Joseph Allyn Dandona, Sr.

1922 - 2007, Goleta

Courtesy Photo

Joseph Dandona, Sr.

Of Goleta died on November 19, 2007 at the age of 85 following a brief illness and stroke. He was born April 4, 1922, in New London, Connecticut, the only son of Nicholas and Lumina Dandona.
He left home at age 16 and joined the Army, serving in Europe during World War II. He later joined the U.S. Air Force and traveled the globe as a member of the Courier Service. He was stationed at Clark AFB, Philippine Islands, where he managed the Officer's Club and earned a B.A. from the University of the Philippines; Travis AFB; Hill AFB (Utah); and Elmendorf AFB (Alaska). He retired from the military as a Major in 1965 after 26 years, worked briefly at Otts Hardware, then had a second career for the next 22 years as an administrator and materials manager at U.C.S.B.

Joe was actively involved in numerous community affairs and volunteer activities and received numerous community awards as well as commendations from the Air Force. He was a Scottish Rite Mason since 1953, received the 33rd Degree in 1999, was awarded Patriot of the Year of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Santa Barbara Chapter, in 2000, and was a former president of the Alaska club and Santa Barbara Shrine Club. He was a past president of Optimist Club of Goleta and Optimist of the Year in 1975.

Joe lived a spirited, passionate life. He was a fanatical fisherman, and in his retirement, he and his wife Gladys spent glorious summers at their cabin in Anchor Point, Alaska, where he fished his heart out. He loved excitement, traveled the world, made numerous friends, was a consummate joke teller, and did everything in life that he wished.

Joe is survived by his beloved family, children Joseph Dandona, Jr. (Lynn), Jean Dandona, John Dandona (Debbie), and Joy Lowry (Bill); grandchildren Sarah and Lily Dandona; Pagent Westley, Jillian Araluse; Amber and Avid Lowry; Sisters Mary Coman of New London, Connecticut, Jeanne Gillard (Dewey) of Boca Raton, Florida and Rita Nash of Tallahassee, Florida; brother Don Martin (Diane) of Groton, Connecticut; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his wife of 60 years, Gladys, in 2002 and their son Jim in 1976, and by his sisters Frances Norvellis and Anna May Stadler.

Services to be held Wednesday, November 28 at 10 a.m. (Masonic service at 9:30 a.m.) at St. Mark United Methodist Church at 3942 La Colina Road, Santa Barbara. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or a favorite charity.

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