Obituary for Joe Asterino 3/9/1935 - 10/18/2015
(Age 80)

Joseph Charles Asterino was born to Charles and Leontina Asterino on March 9, 1935 in Spokane, Washington. In his 80th year on October 18, 2015, Joseph passed away, lovingly surrounded by his family.
He grew up in Spokane with his brother, Robert (deceased) and his sister, Linda Smith. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Iolanda Asterino (Plastino), his children, Rosemarie Asterino, Joseph Asterino, Marla Fruit and Meri Raffetto and his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He met his wife, Iolanda on a blind date set up by her sister and they were married in 1960 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church. Joe went to high school at Gonzaga Preparatory School and attended college at Gonzaga University in Spokane. After graduation, he attended Loyola Dental School in Chicago. He joined the US Air Force as a Captain where he first practiced dentistry. Joe practiced dentistry in the Hillyard area in Spokane for 40 years and was loved by his patients and colleagues alike. He was compassionate and charitable providing no cost and low cost dentistry to Catholic Clergy and those in need. Even after retirement, he continued to do voluntary dentistry. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Spokane District Dental Society, International College of Dentistry and numerous dental study clubs. He was a trustee, board member and past chairman of the Washington Dental Service.
Joe lived a full life. Besides being a husband, father and professional, he was accomplished at many things. As a young man, he was a pitcher for an American League Farm team. In later years he was a scratch golfer, competitive poker player, gardener and so much more. An avid outdoorsman, he spent his whole life hunting and fishing. By himself or surrounded by friends, he loved exploring water ways with a fishing pole in his hand or fields and forests with his dog by his side.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 25th from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Hennessey Funeral Home and Crematory, 2203 N. Division Spokane, WA 99207. Vigil service will be Sunday, October 25th at 4:00pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 515 W. St. Thomas More Way Spokane, WA 99208. FUNERAL MASS WILL BE MONDAY, OCTOBER 26TH AT 10:30AM AT ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall, Spokane, WA 99207.