Joseph Angelo Gaitan

Joseph was born on November 30^th, 1925 in Tapalpa, Mexico to Engracia & Joseph Gaitan Sr.  He proudly graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Alameda, California.

Joseph was married to Carolina Gama Gaitan from August 31^st, 1952 until the day of his death.   Together they raised a daughter, have two beautiful grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Carolina Gama Gaitan, daughter, Angela Martens (Rick Martens), grandchildren Alesha Sohler (Brian Sohler), Tony Martens (AJ Martens), and great grandchildren, Charlotte and Zachary Martens.

Joseph is preceded by his sibilings; William Gaitan, Robert Gaitan, Josephine Castro (Lawrence Castro), Anita Gaitan and Marcella Gaitan-Trawick.  He is survived by his brother Henry Gaitan (Ann Gaitan) and his niece Shirley McCollum (Stanley McCollum).

Joseph proudly served in both WWII on the USS Casablanca and in the Korean War on the USS Menifee.  He loved his country and was proud to serve.  He worked for Giants, Fairmont Foods for over 30 years and retired at the age of 62.

Joseph was a man who loved to be active, he spent his time in the athletic department of Chabot Colleges, taking aerobics and other courses.  It was there that he first discovered martial arts.   This lead him to his love of Taekwondo in which he competed and medaled in several competitions.   He also love Tai Chi and made many friends at Lake Elizabeth and Oakland where he participated in the art form of Tai Chi.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an organization that supports veterans.  These include, Amvets, Wounded Warrior Project, American Red Cross and the Purple Heart Foundation.  DAV (Disabled American Veterans) also accepts donations to support veterans.