William Joseph Tamasonis

Joe was born in Riverside, Calif. on Sept. 12, 1946, and passed away Feb. 18, 2021, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, surrounded by his loving family.

He was raised in Riverside and graduated from Riverside Poly High School in 1964, where his love and passion of restoring old cars began with his best friend, Robbie Burleson, and continued his entire life. His last project and his "dream car," a 1956 Chevy Sedan, was almost completed when Joe became ill.

Joe joined the United States Navy in 1966, where he served aboard the U.S.S. Hornet during the Vietnam War. While serving his country he married Janell Carlson and together they had two beautiful children, Denise and Marc. In 1972, Joe and his family moved to Idaho and resided in Post Falls, and he was employed by Dockery Mechanical in Spokane, Wash. as a licensed heating and refrigeration specialist until his retirement.

Along with his love for old cars Joe enjoyed fishing, camping and boating and going to car shows. He was a long time member of the Comancheros Car Club and at one time, Lake City Mopars.

Joe was a kind and honorable man who loved life and was always happy, and he was always happy to help others. He had a wonderful sense of humor.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Peter Tamasonis; mother, Phyllis Tamasonis of Riverside; and his brother, John Tamasonis of Post Falls.

He is survived by his children, Denise Tamasonis Martinez; son, Marc Tamasonis; sister, Jan Tamasonis; brother, Peter Tamasonis; grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of Post Falls; and cousin, Kathy (Robin) Adam of Merced, Calif.

A memorial service will be held this summer. Please bring your classic cars, to surround Joe with what he loved, and your memories to share on this special day to remember the man who never met a stranger and always had a way of making you smile, even when we didn't think we had it in us.

If you would like to attend, please call (208) 773-4481 and leave your name and number.