Joseph A. Cugene

Dec. 21, 1919- Oct. 12, 2012 A loving husband, caring father, devoted grandfather and decorated combat veteran, Joseph attacked life with zest. Soaring above the clouds in his plane, he delighted in the freedom and beauty of the skies. His love of flight began in WWII where he flew numerous missions in the Pacific theater. Shot down by enemy fire and forced to ditch his B-24 in the Pacific, he brought his entire crew to safety. After the war, he moved his young family to Sacramento and became a successful small-business owner. Because of his extensive flight experience, he joined the Sacramento Sheriff's Air Squadron and was also a member of other charitable organizations. Throughout his life, Joseph always responded generously to the Church and others in need. Preceded in death by his wife, Hilda and daughter, MaryAnn, he is survived by daughters, Suzanne, Karin Libbee (Patrick); granddaughters, Laura Vismara and Nicole Vismara. A mass of Catholic burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 10:30am in Saint Joseph's Chapel. Flowers may be sent to W.F. Gormley & Sons or donations may be given to Sacramento SPCA.