Joseph Harold Utschig's Obituary
Joseph Harold Utschig, 1954-2025
Joseph Harold Utschig passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest on October 9th, 2025. Joe was preceded in death by his father Robert Harold Utschig (1995), mother Elizabeth Smith Utschig (2023) and brother-in-law John Eadeh (2001).
Surviving family members include his wife Patty, daughter Kathleen (Rob) Rios and their children Alina and Robby, son Nick (Ellie) Elmschig and their daughters Quinn and Julia, daughter Emily (Casey) Simon and their daughters Lucy and Junie as well as a grandson expected in January, brother Tom (Pat) Utschig, sisters Meg Eadeh, Katie (Lex) Williman, Ellen Utschig, Nancy (Mark) Drake and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joe was born in San Diego, CA, to parents Robert “Bob” Utschig and Elizabeth “Betty” Utschig, as the fourth of six children.
He graduated from Stella Maris Academy in 1968, St. Augustine High School in 1972, UCSD in 1977 where he earned a BA in Economics.
Joe began his career at Price Club in 1977 where he met his future wife, Patricia Jayne Flower. Their friendship grew into love. They married on January 2, 1982, at Mary Star of the Sea in La Jolla, CA.
They welcomed their first child, Kathleen, in 1985, followed by Nick in 1987, and Emily in 1988.
Joe loved being a family man and created many opportunities for memories: ice cream at Mr. Frostie in PB, bike rides around the bay, Saturday evening Mass at St. Mary Magdalene followed by In-N-Out and Gulls hockey games, Yosemite and Hawaii vacations, and pool time at their cherished home. Joe recognized his great fortune in life and would often say he was a lucky guy. He showed his children how to be generous and appreciate that good things are earned, not given.
Joe retired as a Warehouse Manager with Costco Wholesale. His 35-year career started at the original Price Club on Morena Blvd in the Accounting Department. He rose through leadership to become manager over the years at many of the San Diego area warehouses. He took great pride in his work, and in the successes of coworkers, with many colleagues becoming his closest friends.
He had a long-standing goal to enjoy an early retirement, and he achieved that in 2013 at age 58.
After retiring, he devoted his time to the things that brought him joy and purpose. He was thankful for the time he was able to spend with his mother Betty before she passed away. Joe loved getting together with his five siblings, their families, and his many lifelong friends. He gave back to his community through the Kiwanis Club of Pacific Beach where he served as Treasurer and volunteered at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum alongside his brother Tom.
He had a natural interest in technology, challenging himself to keep up with the latest innovations. Joe had a genuine joy of understanding how things worked and passed that curiosity onto his children and grandchildren.
Most of all, he cherished the traveling adventures with his better half, Patty. They cruised all over the world: from Alaska to the Danube River, Australia and New Zealand to Canada. They also enjoyed all that downtown had to offer, from Seaport Village to ball games and parks with their grandkids. Joe would often say, ‘We’re so lucky to live in San Diego!’ He loved watching the world with Patty. He was immensely proud of the family they raised together, and nothing brought him more joy than being Grandpa Utschig to his six grandchildren.
His loved ones will remember him for his generosity, guidance, work ethic, hearty laugh, and optimistic spirit.
Joe, you were a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. You will be forever cherished in our memories.
A memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Church in San Diego on Wednesday, October 29th at 10:00am. Reception to be held afterward in the hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.
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