JOSEPH C O'CON

Joseph O’Con was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Nellie O’Con and Peter O’Con, Sr. He was named after his Uncle Sonny—his father’s beloved brother—who survives him. The fourth of nine children, Joseph moved to Oakland, California, at the age of four. He grew up in East Oakland in neighborhoods like Jingletown, High Street Homes, San Antonio Village, and Fresno Street. He shared these streets with his siblings and neighbors who became like family. Joseph was deeply connected to those around him—families who became chosen family—like the Guerrero family, the Sanchez family, the Bentley family, Mama Hazel and family, and many more. It was a community where laughter was loud, lessons came fast, and memories ran deep.

Joseph attended Lockwood Elementary, Havenscourt Junior High, and started high school at Castlemont, where he proudly played football for two years. He ultimately graduated from Dewey High School. After his military service, he attended Laney College, where he continued playing football.

Joseph served in the United States Air Force as a Fire Protection Specialist. He was first stationed at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino before being deployed overseas. After boot camp, he was stationed in Germany, where he worked as a firefighter before completing his service at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, assigned to the 26th Civil Engineering Squadron. His time in the military was marked by duty, discipline, and strength—qualities that defined him his entire life.

After the military, Joseph returned to Oakland and worked at a local meat packing company. He also served as a security guard at the Lake Berryessa campgrounds. He worked as a delivery driver for a pharmaceutical company—where he met his beloved dog, Devil. Later, he went on to work as “The Tool Man” at McClellan Air Force Base during the ’80s and ’90s. He was well-known on base not just for keeping things running, but for selling his homemade beef jerky and spicy salsa to coworkers that lined up at his locker. He also had a beloved parrot named Chico.

He lived in various places over the years, including Colfax and Foresthill, always drawn to nature and the peace it brought. During this time, before having children, Joseph played a big role in the lives of his nieces, nephews and godchildren—taking them camping, fishing, to A’s games, roller derby, and ice hockey. These early years were full of adventure, and memories his family still cherish.

In 1987, Joseph met Rosemary—the love of his life. Their first date was at an Oakland A’s game, and though she came in a Giants fan, she didn’t leave one. Together, they enjoyed concerts, music, and building a life rooted in love and laughter. They raised two daughters, Angele and Ashley, in Roseville, California. Joseph passed on his love of fishing, camping, and sports. Some of their best memories were made by picking up cans together at sunset to turn in for recycling money or gathering blackberries and blueberries from wild bushes. He made even the simplest adventures feel special. On fishing trips, he had one rule: “Leave it cleaner than it was when you got here.”

Joseph later worked at ARCO Arena during the Sacramento Kings’ heyday, where he parked Chris Webber’s car and shared how players would recognize him at games and around town. He eventually retired from the Roseville School District in 2010. Known for his humor and approachability, even the kids doing after-school detention found comfort and wisdom in “Mr. O’Con.”

Though his daughters weren’t raised deeply in Louisiana culture, Joseph never let them forget their Southern roots—especially when it came to cooking. His gumbo and jambalaya were unmatched, always cooked with soul and served with a story.

He enjoyed weekend trips to Reno with Rosemary, Angele, and Ashley, held season tickets for the Oakland Raiders for many years, and cherished going to live concerts with wife. Camping every summer with his family became a treasured tradition, filled with laughter, stories, and peaceful nights under the stars. He was a music lover with a deep vinyl collection—James Brown, Tower of Power, Carlos Santana, and the Sugarhill Gang were in heavy rotation. His records weren’t just background noise—they were the soundtrack to his soul.

Joseph was the kind of father who showed love in both big gestures and quiet, everyday moments. He helped his daughters with school projects, braided their hair, baked alongside them, and offered a steady presence that shaped who they are today. His girls would tease their mom that Dad was doing “mom stuff”—but deep down, they knew they’d hit the jackpot with a father who was all in.

Most importantly, Joseph was a devoted Papa. He adored his grandsons: Tre (“Baby J”), Zane, Devin, and Cruz. He especially shared his passion for baseball with Baby J, passing down the love of the game just as he had done with his daughters. His eyes lit up anytime his grandkids were around, and they always knew just how proud he was of them.

Joseph battled kidney disease with resilience and quiet strength for nearly 15 years, undergoing dialysis until his final days. We often joked—half seriously—that he would outlive us all, because his will to live was unmatched. He never gave up, and his spirit stayed strong, even when his body could no longer keep up. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, laughter, and legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and Peter Sr.; his beloved wife, Rosemary, who passed away in 2022; his eldest brother, Pete; his elder sister, Nunie; and his younger brothers, Lee and Mike. He is survived by his daughters, Angele and Ashley; his grandchildren, Tre, Zane, Devin, and Cruz; his brothers Pancho, Jesse, and Larry; his sister Punkin; his Uncle Sonny; and a host of extended family and friends who will carry forward his memory with laughter, pride, and deep love.

Joseph O’Con lived fully, loved fiercely, and left behind a legacy that will echo for generations.