Joseph R. Davis – WWII veteran and businessman

Joseph R. Davis passed away Jan. 6, 2008 at home in Windsor,
surrounded by his loving family at the age of 84. He was born in
Rio de Janeiro, lived in Cuba a short time, and then at the age of
seven he moved with his family to New York City. Joseph completed
High School in MA, his BS at Cooper Union, NY and his Masters at
USC. He relocated to California in 1957 and resided in Southern
California from 1958 until 2003, when he moved to Sonoma County.
Joseph worked as a Chemical Engineer, Plant Manager, Statistics
Professor and later upon retirement purchased Laundromats and
maintained a small Income Tax business. He served his country in
the U.S. Army during World War II in Germany and France. Joseph was
a member of the Sierra Club, Unitarian Universalists, PFLAG, was on
the board of Shakespeare on the Green (Windsor), and volunteered as
House Manager of the 6th Street Playhouse. He was an
environmentalist, and an avid hiker/backpacker who led backpack
groups in the Sierras. Joseph was also interested in gardening. He
pursued both art and education. Joseph loved the theater and was
active throughout his life by participating and watching. He once
said “one never stops learning and the need to know goes on as long
as we do”. Joseph enjoyed music and reading (particularly
Shakespeare). He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter,
Barbara (partner Heather); son, Michael (Carol), daughter, Andrea;
two sisters, Emilie Sasko and Sarah Morimoto; eight grandchildren
and six great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held Sunday,
Jan. 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church, 547
Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Donations may be made in Joseph’s name
to Memorial Hospice of Santa Rosa, Sierra Club, or Shakespeare on
the Green.