Our family is very sad to announce the passing of Joseph Linguanti. He is survived by his beloved wife Shelley, son Giorgio (Tasha), son James, daughter Carmen (Gavin), and grandchildren Leonardo, Donna, Mary, Caleb and Finn. He is also survived by sisters Joanna, Frances, and Nina (Dennis), numerous nieces and nephews and extended family in Canada and in Europe.
Joe was born in Belgium to Sicilian parents. His family immigrated to Canada and settled in Kitimat, where his mother and father worked hard to make a good life for their six children. There, the children all went to school, played sports, worked, and made lifelong friends. Joe moved to Victoria in the early 1970’s to attend university and earned a degree in Math and Computer Sciences. After completing his degree Joe was offered a job at the Institute of Ocean Sciences where he spent his entire career. He loved his job and the many duties he was assigned, especially latterly where he worked both nationally and internationally. Of course, being Joe, he made friends all along the way and kept in touch with many.
Joe was passionate, opinionated, honourable and loyal. His deep voice, his presence in a room and his strong desire to bring people together will be missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC V8Y 1B4 on Friday, May 15th, 2026, at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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25 Responses
It always made me so happy that Joe was in the world, and he will be sorely missed. Any excuse to stop into his office for a chat was a high point in the day (yes, he made data management a happy, calming activity). After he retired, seeing him out and about downtown would still lift my spirits. My heart goes out to Joe’s family for the hole his death has left.
Joe has been missed dearly at IOS (the Institute of Ocean Sci). He was always thoughtful about the work and the people. His time there left a great contribution.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think often of the time we spent together over the years – breaking bread, making sausage, and celebrating through Linguanti and family milestones. Those memories were truly special, and I’m thinking of you and the family.
I first got to know Joe well at university in Victoria when a group of us Kitimat alumni bonded socially. Those bonds endured over the years many thanks to Joe’s talent for organizing our reunions. I spoke to him several weeks ago. He was frail but he talked of how proud he was to be a part of so many lasting friendships.
Louise and I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Shelly (Joes incredible’rock’) and all his wonderful family.
We were so very sorry to hear of Joe’s sad passing, he was such a kindhearted and thoughtful man. It was a pleasure to meet him 10 years ago when he visited Carmen and Gavin here in Ireland and it was good to get to know him even better when we visited Canada. He was so warm and welcoming. Sincere condolences to Shelley, Giorgio, James, Carmen and all of Joe’s family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all
So very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. My sincere condolences to Shelley and family – children, grandchildren and siblings.
I knew Joe from our days in Kitimat at MESS. A few years after graduation our paths crossed at UVic where it seemed lots of Kitimat folk sought their post-secondary education.
Joe was often a central figure in organizing MESS reunions. I worked along side of him for many of those and he was . . . Joe! He demonstrated his desire to bring people together over and over again by helping with reunions. I have a feeling that his Celebration of Life will be a reunion of sorts as so many of his MESS friends gather to celebrate a life well lived.
Rest in Peace Joe. You will be missed and remembered by so many.
So sorry about Joe’s passing. He was such a kind, gentle and generous soul. My condolences to you and your family. Unfortunately I cannot attend the celebration of life. I will be thinking about you all.
I knew Joe from time we were in Grade 1 together and all through Kildala and Mt.Elizabeth High school days. He always had a smile for me when we crossed paths, and I was so happy to learn that many years later my youngest daughter, Sherry and their son, James became good friends at Stelly’s high school in Sidney. A great coincidence of families resettling and gravitating towards each other.
I’ll miss you, Joe!
Love to your family at this sad time..xo
So very sad to hear of Joe’s passing – went to high school with Joe, saw him many times over the years in Sidney and always had a coffee to chat and catch up.
My thoughts are with Shelley and the whole family. He will be dearly missed
My sincere condolences on Joe’s passing. Growing up in Kitimat we shared a bond and always managed to keep in touch, although our paths took different directions after high school. I always looked forward on getting together, whether it was at our reunions or visits to the island. He will be dearly missed,but I hold on fondly to those memories we shared. RIP Joe ❤️