Joseph Thomas Corso

On Dec.12,1920, Joseph Thomas Corso , a Sicilian baby boy was born to Rose & Willie Corso. Joey resided on 280 Mott St., NYC, NY,in an apt. that cost $20 a month. He only completed grade school and went to work to support his family. He was the oldest and had one sister, Minnie and two brothers, Leo and Willie Jr. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army. His military years were his most memorable. He went overseas on the Queen Mary and spent 3 years in Europe. In 1945 he returned to NY and was given the opportunity to work in California. A friend, Henry Falsey, sent him $250 to move to the golden state "California" ! He hopped the train, for less than $10 and went to work as a Bouncer/Bartender at the Shamrock Café in Lomita, Calif. It was there, that he met and married my sweet, innocent mother, Johnnie Lou Patton, from Oklahoma. He then opened his own bar, the Beaver Room-connected to the 101 Bowling Alley in Harbor City. I remember dancing on the bar at a very young age. Next, came The Candle Room and Italian restaurant. Joe was the first nightclub owner in Torrance, Calif. to have black entertainment..."The Ink Spots" ! He loved sports and made sure he took myself and younger brother, Victor, to all of the Ram/Raider, Dodger and Laker games. I would classify my dad as a "Gambling Man". We spent many vacations in Las Vegas and Palm Springs. He loved to go to dinner shows and I was blessed to meet and see many movie stars, from the Rat Pack and more. My dad loved to play hand ball with his buddies Nick Lococo and Charlie Minsky. They'll be waiting to take him on. He loved the sun...we were "baked on the beach". He made his own suntan lotion with baby oil and iodine. I remember driving the convertible (always had one) to Palm Springs and he sunbathed all the way there. There is so much more, but, I will save it for my book "Wake Up Little Susie". Watch for it in the future. Trying to decide which famous movie star can portray my dad. My dad is survived by his beautiful sister Minnie and her wonderful husband Gus, his favorite brother-in-law , now retired in Highland Beach, Florida. He sent for my Aunt Minnie almost every year in Calif. He called her "Darling"! When my mom died in 1969, I lived with them in New Jersey. They will always be my second family. His brother Leo that he brought to Calif., passed away 8 years ago. My Uncle Leo went on to become a successful business man in the liquor/wine business and raised 6 beautiful children with my Aunt Maxine, that resides in Newport Beach. My brother and I were dropped off at their home in San Pedro on many weekends and the "cousin adventures" were priceless ! His younger brother, my Uncle Junior, joined my dad in heaven on Tues., Jan.28th. It was his daughter, Lisa's, 50th birthday and just 3 days after my dad's passing. He had been in so much pain and I am grateful God took him home. My Uncle Junior lived with my family when I was a little girl. He used to chase me around the yard, "snapping his belt" and loved to take my brother and I to "POP", Pacific Ocean Park. He went back to NY and married my Aunt Anna Mae, who is dancing in Heaven with him now, and later moved her and my adorable cousins, Lisa & Danielle to Calif. He worked for my dad as a bartender and should have been a professional singer/dancer. I know, my dad and him will be watching the Super Bowl this Sunday. They spoke several times a day up until last Thursday. Now...it will be non-stop. I wonder what team they will root for and what the "under/over" is up there ? My only, younger brother Victor, resides in Las Vegas with his wonderful wife Sue. My sister-in-law considered my dad...her dad. She loves him very much. My brother worked with my dad ,most of his life in California. Papa's 1rst granddaughter, Vicki, idolized her Papa. She was jealous of every girlfriend he had. Joey, his namesake, has drawn some amazing sketches of Papa over the years.I will post them soon. Michelle, or as Papa said "Michelleee", that always, said "I Love You" in a growling voice, and he would repeat back the same, even last week when he was very, very weak. Michelle & Christian are expecting their 1rst baby in August. Papa will be watching over her and his great grandchild with pride ! I have one, son, Larry Tassone, Papa's 1rst grandson that lives in Salt Lake City with his beautiful wife Mindy and Papa's great grandchildren , Kate, almost 4 & Henry, 7 months. Larry grew up and saw Papa all the time until we moved to New Jersey when he was 9. Larry loved to play and sing with his guitar for Papa and was also a pretty great break dancer too ! Must have got his dancing moves from Papa. My daughter, Amber Rose Gebaide, lives in Summerfield, Florida with her husband Johnny and their daughters Kayla, 13 & Kailey, 3. Papa's 13 years in Florida have been blessed with having his caring granddaughter very close by. She has very special memories with him. Kayla Rose, now 13, has been with him since she was born. Papa will be watching over his talented great granddaughter. I am sure, when she wins her first Grammy or Tony Award, she will dedicate it to him....and me too !! On Presidents Day, Feb.17th, at 10 am, my dad will be put to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl. He is being cremated. He served in World War II, in the "559th Bomb Squadron". He was awarded the "Distinguished Unit Badge", "Good Conduct Medal" and the "European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal". In a few months, I will take and sprinkle some of his pixie dust, and spray his "Aramis Cologne", in Calif. His favorite places were Torrance Beach, his bar locations and my mom's resting place. My Dad's body may be gone, but his heart, soul & spirit will be watching over us from Heaven !!!!!! He loved our Lord, Jesus Christ, with all of his heart and prayed till the very end ! Thanks to EVERYONE that has been so supportive during this difficult time.....Susie

Joseph Thomas Corso

December 12, 1920 - January 25, 2014