On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Joseph V. Sansom, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 79.
Joe was born on May 24, 1941 in Huntington, West Virginia to Henry and Eleanor Sansom. He was raised alongside his older brother Ed as the two shared many fond memories of countless hours spent with great-aunts, uncles and grandparents. He developed a lifelong fascination for trains while living in Huntington, where many of his family members were trainmen for the Chesapeake-Ohio Railway. Days were filled bike riding with his friends from Ent Air Force Base, to ballgames, and to the then-undeveloped Austin Bluffs for endless afternoons of boyish exploration.
The family moved to Colorado Springs while Joe was in the fifth grade. He developed a love for roller-skating and what started out as a hobby quickly became a job, and he spent long nights down at the roller-rink as a floor guard. Frequent visits to the nearest record store introduced him to another new interest: music. The majority of his allowance was devoted to growing an impressive record collection. Trips to the movie theatres and Patsy’s Caramel Corn and Ice Cream Shop took up the rest. The next couple years were spent devoting time to his hobbies.
His family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, right before his senior year of high school where he graduated in 1959 from Scottsdale High. He went on to attend college in Phoenix, studying business, and spending every extra second proudly working at Arizona’s first Bob’s Big Boy.
Joe met his eternal sweetheart Sue Perkins early in 1968 and they were wed later that year. They were later sealed for all eternity in the Mesa temple. Their marriage resulted in four beautiful children, eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Throughout his years, Joe earned a reputation as a hard-working man and retired from Southwest Gas. He was known for his unique sense of humor, his kind smile, his dedication to and love for his family, and the ability to make everybody feel like they were his favorite.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bradley, his brother, Edward, and his granddaughter, Ayla.
He is survived by his wife, Sue, his children, Margaret, Daniel, and Jessica, as well as his eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Reflections of Life & Visitation
Friday, March 19, 2021
6-8pm
Lindsey Ward Building (1150 North Lindsey Rd, Gilbert 85234)
Dedication & Interment
Saturday, March 20, 2021
11am
Mesa City Cemetery (1212 North center Street, Mesa 85201)
uncle joe i have no doubt im yur Favorite 😉
yur my favorite late night🌙✨ till early morning 🌄 buddy..
eating fast foods 🍕🌭🌮🍔 treats🍦🍩🍪 lots of chocolate 🍫 drinking Pepsi🥤 watching netflix 🖥 tucker carlson telling stories.. having much Fun 🤣😂 laughter humor as we all know he’s a jokster.. always gathered in the sitting room to their bedroom as auntie sue would tire 😴 before us..
Thankyu 💖 for these last few years of priceless treasured memories 💋❤ we shared..
Luv ya🌹
Cyndi 🥰
Sue and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was always very kind to our family. He had a great smile and wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. We are praying for you and your family. We love you.
Dear Sue and family,
Though the years have separated us, we have fond memories of you all. Our hearts go out to you in your loss.
Dear Sue and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Condolences and much love during this time of need.
Growing up I had a “family #2” who lived a couple streets over. The Sansom’s are an amazing family and their son Brad was like the twin brother I never had. His Dad Joe, took me to my first hockey match, took me snowboarding the first time, and was there with me at the ER when I had my first broken arm. He was just always there quietly supporting his family and friends.
When Brad tragically passed late in our HS years my bond with the family only grew stronger as all tried to cope with the void of his passing. Although it devastated Joe in a way that I never hope to understand, I could always depend on him to welcome me like a son. He always had a witty one-liner to put a smile on my face. Love you Joe, you are greatly missed already.
If you can know a man by his “fruits”, all you have to do is look to the amazing family he left behind to know what kind of man he was. Not just the kids but the grandkids and great-grand kids, all amazing! Sue, Meg, Jess and Danny I love you all and wish I could be there this weekend with you.
Meg, thank you for posting the YouTube link for the services today and tomorrow for those of us that can’t be there in person, I truly believe there was a joyous reunion on the other side between Father and Son this past week and take comfort they are together again feeling God’s love.
We are saddened to hear of Joe’s passing, at this time. Such a sweet, wonderful friend to us. May the Samson family receive much Comfort and Love. We love you all, Sue. And Family
Jerry, Tammy and rest of Van Cleve family. 3-22-21