Joseph R. Sperrazza

Passed away on Saturday, March 8th at his home on Lido Isle. Cause of death was a complication of the long time illness pulmonary fibrosis. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, of 28 years, a son, John Neilson, of New York, his mother, Amanda of Rochester, New York, a twin sister, Joan Damick, seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all from New York. In addition, Joe was predeceased by another son, Scott Neilson.

Joe was born in Rochester, New York, on November 28, 1934, attended West High School and earned degrees from Rochester Institute of Technology and State University of New York at Brockport as well as a teaching certificate. He received his graduate credentials at Syracuse University. Joe taught economics and coached varsity soccer, tennis and golf in the Tustin Unified School District.

Joe was active in the American Cancer Society Taste for Life, an annual fund raiser for cancer patients.

Best known by his many friends is Joe’s great success as the genial host of Café Lido, Newport Beach. Joe owned and operated Café Lido at 2900 Newport Blvd. from 1981 to 1988 and moved to 501 30th Street from 1988 to 1994. Café Lido was a full service restaurant with live jazz entertainment seven nights a week. An accomplished musician himself, he enjoyed the company of his many musical colleagues.

After retirement from his restaurant business, Joe became manager of the Golf Pro Shop at the Costa Mesa Country Club and was involved in the many charitable tournaments which were held there.

Joe was a member of the Coasta Mesa Men’s Golf Club, the Lido Isle Golf Club and the Lido Isle Yacht Club. In addition he valued his membership in the Sunday Drivers Golf Club on the island of Maui where he and his wife Shirley owned a second home and enjoyed the time they spent there among their island friends.

There will be a celebration of Joe’s life on Saturday, March 29th 12 noon to 4pm, at the Costa Mesa Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hoag Hospital in fond remembrance of Joe.