Obituary: Gagliardi, Joseph Patrick
Age 80
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sister, June Witter.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Jeff Gagliardi, Julie Flemming, Susan Gagliardi, and John Gagliardi; as well as his sister Karen Volpatti and 11 grandchildren.
A lifelong resident of Spokane, Joe graduated from Gonzaga Prep, Gonzaga University and the Gonzaga University School of Law.
He served as an officer in the Army before beginning his long and distinguished career as an attorney.
After a short time with the Attorney General’s office in Olympia, Joe returned to Spokane to start in private practice.
Eventually, Joe became a named partner in the law firm of Turner Stoeve Gagliardi.
He served as President of the Spokane County Bar Association from 1987 to 1988, and was widely recognized as one of the earliest experts in ERISA law.
Joe was a lifelong supporter of Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University.
Among his many contributions and accomplishments, he served on Gonzaga University’s Board of Regents, was President of the Gonzaga Alumni Association, and received Gonzaga’s Distinguished Alumni Merit Award in 1996.
Joe met Joan, his beautiful wife of 55 years, at GU.
He enjoyed spending time in his yard gardening, traveling with friends, and fishing.
He particularly enjoyed watching and making friendly wagers on sports with his family and friends.
An avid supporter of Zags Basketball, Joe was seen at many games and was known to travel in support of the team in their NCAA tournament runs.
He is best known for his straight forward, no-nonsense approach and never hesitated to contribute his talent, hard work, and caring to his family, friends, and the community at large.
Joe was a cornerstone of our extended family, always available to provide assistance or help solve a problem.
His sharp intelligence, witty sense of humor, and big heart will be immensely missed.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 4th from 10 am to 5pm at Hennessey Funeral Home 2203 N. Division, as well as one hour prior to the service at the Church.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 11am at Our Lady of Fatima 1517 E. 33rd with a reception to follow.
The family would like to thank Hospice House for the wonderful care and attention in Joe’s final days.
Donations in Joe’s honor can be made to The Hospice House of Spokane or Catholic Charities.
To View Joseph’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com