Jose Ayala

Jose “Joe” Ayala, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on March 21, 2024 at the age of 94.  Born in Tampa, Florida on February 21, 1930, Joe led a remarkable life filled with dedication, service, and passion.

At the young age of 18, Joe joined the Marines in 1948 and served as corporal until 1952, bravely fighting in the Korean war.  

In August 1948, while Joe was stationed in California, he met Kitty, the love of his life, in Hollywood at the Palladium, a dance hall, where they often enjoyed music and dance. Their marriage in January 1950 was the beginning of a beautiful love story which they kept alive until his last breath.  Their love has transcended, always and forever. 

After his military service concluded in 1952, Joe began working as a hairdresser and later pursued a career as an electrician, eventually obtaining his contractor’s license in 1976.  He and his wife went on to establish their own electrical advertising sign company, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his craft.  Joe sold his business and retired in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and excellence.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Joe was an avid golfer who shared his love for the sport with his beloved wife.  Together, they spent countless hours on the golf course, enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of the game with friends.  Joe and his wife also cherished the art of entertaining, cooking, and creating memorable moments for their family and friends.

During retirement in 1991, Joe and Kitty enjoyed their children and grandchildren while exploring the US and its beautiful golf courses by RV.   Given his love and passion for golf and his social nature, Joe remained active by taking on a position in 1993 at Mile Square Park as a First Tee Starter and a Marshall/Ranger on the golf course and remained employed until 2021 when he entered his final stage of retirement.

Joe will be remembered for his strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.  His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will be forever cherished.

Joe is survived by his wife Kitty, daughter Karyn Anderson and husband Daniel Humphrey, grandchildren Kyle and Hunter Anderson and Justin, Kevin, Lauren Humphrey; daughter Lisa Stewart and husband Randy, grandchildren Jeremy, Jacob, and Jasmine.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Huntington Beach Council on Aging: https://hbcoa.org/donations/ 

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