Joseph D. Aliotti

Joseph D. Aliotti also known as Giuseppe and "Joe Mangiafera", of Monterey, California passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Joe was born on July 29, 1937, in Trapani, Sicily, Italy to Domenico and Francesca Aliotti, Joe was a devoted Husband, Father, Brother, Nonno, Friend and Captain. With a warm spirit, boundless generosity, unwavering kindness - a man with a heart of gold who dedicated his life to family and his passion for fishing, always finding peace and purpose at sea. His home was always open, and he made sure, that crew members and friends with nowhere else to go for the holidays were never alone. To Joe, his crew members were family. His gift for sharing stories and laughter, cooking for loved ones, and making everyone feel welcome will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Joe started his fishing career when he was seven years old. He fished with his father in Marettimo, Sicily, Italy. Joe and his father came to America on August 27, 1955, to make a better living for themselves and their family. One week after arriving in San Francisco, Joe and his dad started fishing with his Uncle Filippo for salmon. In 1957 Joe and his dad moved to Monterey and bought a house in preparation for the arrival of the rest of the family, who joined them on August 18, 1958. Joe went back to Italy to marry his fiancée Enza Bonanno, in 1962. The two celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on March 17, 2025. He returned to Monterey and started fishing for sardines aboard the “New Marettimo”. Enza came to join after 9 months of being apart. In 1961 Joe went to Alaska to fish for salmon.

In 1966 he bought his fishing vessel “Baby Frances”. Six months later Joe bought the “Sea Maid” and started fishing albacore, salmon and rock cod in Monterey, he later lost the “Sea Maid” at sea. He retired from fishing in Alaska after 50 years.

Joe then went to San Pedro to fish for sardines on the “Santa Teresa.” Joe, being a determined fisherman, bought another vessel, “St. Joseph”, and continued fishing for sardines and anchovies in San Pedro; but unfortunately, he also lost that boat to the sea. Joe, still driven by his passion for the sea and fishing, he started construction on another fishing vessel, “Aliotti Bros.” In 1981, while his vessel was being built, Joe was a factory worker at the NAFI factory in Monterey and also worked construction at Fort Ord. In 1985 his dream vessel was finished, and Joe returned to fishing, only to have that boat sink in 1993. After spending 60 days submerged, the boat was successfully salvaged, rebuilt (in Oregon) and enlarged. Joe fished the Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay, Southern California, and the Channel Islands, traveling up and down the West Coast doing what he loved. Joe retired from fishing after 58 years.

Joe was a member of the Italian Catholic Federation and the Elks Club of Monterey. He was Grand Marshall for the Festa Italia honoring Santa Rosalia in 2012. Joe enjoyed life by traveling with his wife, he enjoyed visiting with his friends at the coffee shop, playing bocce ball and playing cards. He cherished spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved deeply. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Enza Aliotti; Five children, Francesca (Jack) Russo, Domenic (Deborah) Aliotti, Joe Aliotti, Antonina (Patrick) Phillips, Peter (Savannah) Aliotti; Nine Grandchildren, Salvatore (Christal) Russo, Joseph Russo, Anthony Russo, Natalie Aliotti, Antonella Aliotti, Gia Phillips, Julia Phillips, Peter Aliotti, and Camilla Aliotti; Two Great Grandchildren, Salvatore Russo and Annabelle Russo; Sister Antonietta Asaro, Brother Paul Aliotti and Sister Joann D’Aquanno. He is preceded in death by his parents Domenico and Francesca Aliotti.

Although Joe faced hardships at times, he also had many successes. He enjoyed life to the fullest, never complained, never said no, and with his strength, courage, and determination, he made it through every storm that came his way. His strength came from his faith in God, in whom he always believed. His legacy will live on in our hearts, and he will never be forgotten.

~ Fair winds, calm seas, and eternal peace ~

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers who lovingly cared for Joe, especially those who have been with him from the very beginning and never left his side. Your compassion, dedication, and kindness brought comfort and peace, and we are truly grateful and thankyou from the bottom of our hearts.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11:00am at San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church Street, Monterey. Following the Mass, he will be laid to rest at San Carlos Cemetery to conclude the service.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Cancer Society at cancer.org.

Please visit www.missionmortuary.com to express condolences to the family.