Joseph Edward Falbo

Joseph E. Falbo, born on April 9, 1922, in Walla Walla, passed away at the age of 92 on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at Wheatland Village’s Parkview facility.

He was the proud son of Italian immigrant farmers, Salvatore and Rosaria Falbo. He attended Prospect Point Elementary and Walla Walla High School. He earned his accounting degree from the Walla Walla Business College.

Following graduation and a one-year appointment in the general accounting office in Washington, D.C., he was inducted into the U.S. Army and assigned to the 259th Engineer Combat Battalion in Little Rock, Ark., and later in Ft. Belvoir, Va. During World War II, he was deployed in Hawaii and Japan, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. Upon returning home, he assumed his life’s career as an accountant with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Walla Walla. In 1958, he married Fotini Lemonidou with whom he had two daughters. He was a devoted husband/father, a man committed to his work and ideals, and a true American patriot. His passion for farming, gardening and working the land began as a child and continued throughout his life. Favorite pastimes included bowling, singing, dancing, visiting with friends and family and enjoying good food together (especially spaghetti with meatballs and wine).

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Fotini; daughter, Gina (Gary) Cox; daughter, Tina Edwards; step grandchildren, Samantha Edwards and Brian Edwards, Jr.; two step-great-grandchildren; a nephew, Clyde “Bud” (Joanie) Gray, Jr.; a niece, Barbara (Mike) Sharkey; and other beloved relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary (Clyde) Gray; son-in-law, Lloyd Brian Edwards; niece, Mary- Lou (Dick) Jones; and numerous other cherished relatives.

A viewing will be held from 1-6 p.m. at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home with a Rosary service to follow at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014. The funeral service will be held on Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Walla Walla. Following the burial, a reception will be held in the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, in Walla Walla.