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Joseph Tamborelli

joseph tamborelli
Joe passed away on Thursday May 31, 2012, and was one of nine siblings born May 14, 1930 in Hampton, PA. He joined the Navy as a young man and later moved to San Diego and eventually Winchester, CA. Joe worked for Helms Bakery in San Diego for many years to later start his business of 40 years as “Papa Joe’s Ice Cream.” Joe was a savvy businessman who made friends easily which was his unique quality. Joe was an outdoorsman who loved living in the country. Joe is survived by wife Deonna, sister Mary Paluso, children Mary Jo (Robert), Joey (Debbie), Gary (Kathy), Tammy (significant other Walter), stepson Tom (Judy), deceased stepson Steve (Theresa), 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. We say good-bye to a loving husband and devoted father whose presence will be greatly missed by all. Services will be held at 10:30 am June 8th at England Family Mortuary 27135 Madison Ave Temecula, CA 92590.

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  1. A sympathy card has been sent to the family of Joseph John Tamborelli c/o ENGLAND FAMILY MORTUARY, INC funeral home.

  2. A sympathy card has been sent to the family of Joseph John Tamborelli c/o ENGLAND FAMILY MORTUARY, INC funeral home.

  3. I don’t know of any one else in the city of Temecula that reached as many kids in such a sweet, simple and lasting way as Papa Joe! An amazing man who was generous with his ice cream (I say that because often times he was seen handing it out, even when kids were short some change), able to remember so many different families through the years and ALWAYS had a smile, never a complaint. He will continue to be missed.

  4. I grew up in Murphy Canyon, and Papa Joe was awesome he would always stop and talk to us and just see how we were doing. Growing up as a Military kid you saw friends come and go and a parent going out to sea but Papa Joe could always make you smile.

  5. i remember papa joe being at the end of the bridge at farb waiting in the parking lot for us kids i was there in 1986 its funny all the way here in mass our ice cream mans name is joe and i tell my kids all the time his personality is no where close to our papa joe he will be truly missed god bless

  6. I was sorry to hear of Papa Joe’s passing. Such a kind man, and part of great childhood memories. With condolences to the family, I hope you draw comfort from knowing that he is so fondly remembered by the kids who looked forward to hearing that toot toot.

  7. I will always remember as a young boy waiting to see Joe’s smiling face as I asked for my favorite treats, he was a huge part of growing up! My thoughts and prayers go to Joe’s family. Thank you Papa Joe for being such a great guy to all of us kids!

  8. I will never forget Papa Joe. He was such a big part of the wonderful childhood so many of us kids had growing up in Murphy Canyon. he was so much more than an Ice cream Man (and other sweet treats) He was our Dear friend. I have and always will tell stories of him to my children, as memories of him will stay close to my heart forever! Toot- Toot Papa Joe…We love you! Laurel Hamilton Owen

  9. I will never think of Murphy Canyon and not think of PAPA JOE He was the greatest. Thanks for taking care of all us Navy brats. You will be missed.

  10. Joe Papa Joe as we knew him as children back in Murphy Canyon as children brought so much happiness into our childhood. It is with great sadness that I hear of his passing. To his family I am so sorry for your loss. I am certain that there is a huge void that has been left by his passing as he was such an amazing presence in our world. He touched so many lives. Papa Joe will never be forgotten!

  11. just want to say we lost a great man he took care of alot of us that stayed in navy housing (murphy canyon) he will truly b miss prayers goes out to his family

  12. Made growing up in Murphy Canyon even more special. Loved by all. Best Ice cream man ever!!!!!!!!!!

  13. May you rest in Peace!!! You were such a kind loving man. You brought so much joy to my childhood, along with your brother Sweetie Please give my lil angel Roderick one of your grab bags. Thank you for all the great years while I lived in Murphy Canyon Navy Housing!!!

  14. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I remember Papa Joe from my days in Murphy Canyon no other ice cream man like Papa Joe. R.I.P

  15. Our family is very saddened to hear our favorite Papa Joe has passed on. My four kids – Rachel, Sarah (he called her Saddie), Richard and Becca – grew up watching and listening for his ice cream truck. Richard called his coins Papa Joe money 🙂 Sorry for your loss.

  16. Papa Joe R.I.P. Pap Joe was a big part of the lives of kids in Murphy Canyon Naval Housing in the 70’s. I remember saving change to buy donuts when he’d come by. Actually, I bought the entire 1978 Topps or Fleer football card set from him over the course of a year. Great man, friendly and always telling us to do good.

  17. Papa Joe was one of my heroes growing up. Since I was 4 years old, I’d run outside every time I heard his horn. Every day I was greeted with a smile and he always knew what we wanted. He had such joy in giving us ice cream, I will never forget him. To an amazing man, and like a grandfather to so many, you will forever be in my heart Papa Joe.

  18. Papa Joe was our neighborhood ice cream man on Hooper Street in Murphy Canyon. He was the nicest guy. He would always stop and talk to us, even if we weren’t buying ice cream. Had lots of good advice too. He was a good man and I have always had good memories of him. Sorry for the familys loss.

  19. Papa Joe was part of my childhood growing up in Murphy Canyon in the 1980’s. Everyone loved him! You could always trust Papa Joe. RIP thanks for the memories.

  20. So sad to hear the news. My daughter is graduating high school this year, Papa Joe will always be a wonderful memory from her childhood, such a kind sweet man. We’ll always remember you Papa Joe!

  21. This man was known, to the kids in our neighborhood in San Diego as Papa Joe. He drove an ice cream truck and the sound of his horn and his encouraging smile was the highlight of any day. He made each child feel like his best friend. The ice cream was just a bonus. That has been many years ago. Those kids, because it was a military neighborhood, have moved to all parts of the country and even other parts of the world. They have children, even some grandchildren, but they carry the memories of Papa Joe. I think it’s a lesson to us. Kindness causes ripples. You may never know how far or for how long those ripples travel. Rest with Jesus, Papa Joe.

  22. We love you Papa Joe. You will always be remembered. We have many great childhood memories because of you. You will be missed.

  23. What great memories my kids have of Papa Joe. I even took a picture of his truck on his last day on our street (a SAD day) What a great way to be remembered, bringing smiles to kids and giving them happy childhood memories. Thanks for sharing him with us….He will not be forgotten!


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