Joseph Spiteri

JOSEPH SPITERI Resident of San Francisco Born in Hamrun, Malta, March 4, 1923, passed away in his sleep on December 22, 2010. Leaving a loving wife, Carmen, of 64 years, also from Hamrun. His sons Charles and George, daughters Tessy Lencioni and Josie Ghiglieri, 12 grand children and 6 great grand children, 3 brothers and 2 sisters, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-laws also survive him. Joseph immigrated to San Francisco with his wife in January 1947. He worked as a shoemaker on Market Street, above the Embassy theatre. He began making ice and roller skating boots with his employer and eventual partner shortly afterwards. In August 1963 he founded his own company, SP-Teri Company, making skating boots. His first shop was on 7th Street, and then moved to San Bruno Avenue in the Portola District. For the last 20 years he has been in South San Francisco. Up to his last week many of his customers would see him in the office. He continued to cut the custom patterns, preparing materials for the workers, and doing the final inspection on boots before they were packed. His custom and stock made skates were relished all around the United States, Canada, and Europe and now in Asia. Many National, World and Olympic skaters and champions wore his boots as well as show skaters and professional coaches. He was an active member of 64 years in the San Francisco Maltese American Social Club. The Club was originally on Oakdale Street in San Francisco; but eventually moved to South San Francisco. He became a member immediately upon arriving in San Francisco. Many of the members knew him as ?il Lovey? or ?JS?. During the earlier days he would be socializing or playing cards at the club 6 days of the week. In the last 15 years he visited the club on Sundays and for special events. He was also a 26-year member of the St. Elizabeth-Maltese Society at the St. Elizabeth Church; and, the Maltese Cross Foundation on the Peninsula. In September 2009 the Prime Minister of Malta, along with other Maltese government officials as well as the Ambassador from Malta, visited him. They honored him at his factory with a plaque presented by the Prime Minister for his achievement. And this year he was awarded an Honorary Life Club Membership by the Hamrun Spartans Football Club. Joseph was proud in having immigrated to San Francisco where many of his family members also immigrated after him; and created many new friends in his community. His devoted family and close friends, surely, will miss him. Friends may visit on Tuesday after 5:00PM and are invited to attend the Vigil Service also on Tuesday at 7:00PM and the funeral mass Wednesday at 11:00AM all at St. Elizabeth Church (Somerset and Wayland Sts., SF, 94134). Committal to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.

Joseph Spiteri

March 4, 1923 - December 22, 2010