Joseph Edward Gerbac

Joe Gerbac left life as he lived it... straight-forward, clear-headed and embraced in the love of his family

Obituary

 Born October 14, 1939, on the south-side of Chicago, Joe was the third of four children and only son of Joseph and Kate Grbac. Joe spent his childhood in the midst of a large throng of Irish and Croatian cousins celebrating holidays and milestones including long, lively summers on a family farm in Michigan where he dreamed of becoming a farmer.

In 1952 the Gerbac clan left the icy winters of Chicago behind and moved to sunny Los Angeles, California. Soon followed by most of the extended family the celebrations and milestones persisted and lifelong friendships began with his classmates at John Burroughs Junior High and Los Angeles High School.

Joe was always up for any adventure. At 17 years, Joe and his cousin, Bill March, traveled on their own to Europe where they attempted to ride a Vespa from Paris to Yugoslavia! Failing that, they returned to Paris where they learned about a youth festival taking place in Moscow, USSR. They boarded the orient express, traveled to Moscow, and participated in a celebration of camaraderie and friendship. The Cold War was very hot at the time and upon their return they were met by some folks from the FBI who had a few questions. But, no harm was done! After graduation, Joe earned his BA at UCLA while working summers driving a beer truck. In 1961 his summer job evaporated and he joined a group of friends working on an archeology dig. Several members of the group including one of Joe’s lifelong friends were leaving the next morning to participate in a “Freedom Ride” in Mississippi and there was one extra ticket to New Orleans. Spontaneously, Joe joined the group of fifteen on a train bound for Jackson, assured to be arrested and imprisoned for “disturbing the peace”. They spent 30 days in solitary confinement at Parchman Prison. Afterwards, Joe said of his participation in the civil rights movement, “I felt it was a good thing! We helped move the law along in this country.” Inspired in part by his participation in the Freedom Rides, Joe attended UCLA law school and passed the California State Bar Exam. He practiced with the public defender’s office in Los Angeles before entering private practice in the fields of criminal defense and personal injury.

In 1978, Joe married Shelley Waklee and settled in Santa Monica. They had two sons - Steven and Andrew. Joe’s sister Jean and family were living in Lompoc, California where they were operating a family business and raising 5 daughters. His parents and little sister followed them to Lompoc in 1971. In 1985, Joe and Shelley also moved to Lompoc to raise their sons near their extended family. A few years later, the oldest sister, Gloria and husband Mike also moved to Lompoc! Later, Joe moved a few miles east and spent 25 years living in sunny Solvang. In 2023 he moved back to Lompoc to be closer to his sister and nieces.

While working on a law case, Joe visited Lake Tahoe where he fell in love with the Sierra Nevada. He purchased his “forever” home overlooking Meeks Bay and over the years shared countless hours hiking, skiing, boating, and creating a legacy for his children and grandchildren. Joe enjoyed nothing better than “Tahoe Time”.

Joe cherished spending time with his sons and participated or coached with Village Hills Little League and later attended all their high school games at San Marcos High School. Many vacations and camping trips were spent in Croatia, Ireland, Lake Nacimiento, The Grand Canyon and on various horseback riding adventures with the Lompoc Valley Riders. Eventually, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their activities. Always, there were the family gatherings - big and small to celebrate milestones or just a great Friday night beer with his boys!

For nearly 50 years Joe practiced law. Upon his retirement and looking for an outlet to engage with people and share his extensive trivia knowledge, Joe took up driving for Uber! He loved driving people all over Santa Barbara County and telling them stories about landmarks or events. Sometimes, he even dispensed a little legal advice…

Joe passed away August 17, 2025 - a month to the day after returning from the vacation of his dreams - a month spent with all his family in his father’s native village on the island of Losinj, Croatia. He was not feeling as energetic as in the past but he revelled in being immersed in the love of his children, grandchildren, many of his nieces, nephews and his faithful sister, Kathy.

Joe is survived by his sons and their spouses - Steven and Lisa, Andrew and Alicia. Three grandchildren - Madeline, Sean and Layla Gerbac. He is also greatly missed by his sister Kathy Grbac, former wife, Shelley Waklee, six nieces, 13 grand nieces and nephews, one great-grand niece and many cousins. He was preceded by his parents, sisters and their spouses - Gloria and Mike Kurilich, Jean and Murray Lester and a nephew - Michael Kurilich.

A Celebration of Life honoring Joe will be held, Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Santa Barbara Women's Rockwood Clubhouse from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M.  670 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, California.

God speed, Joe! We know your heavenly adventures will be trouble free (stay away from the Vespa’s!

Gallery

Memory wall

October 23, 2025

I'm sad and grieving for my dear cousin Joey, my best friend from early childhood. Recently, I've had dreams about the times when we were together in Chicago playing in the backyard, blowing off fireworks and having fun together. I'm glad he passed away without longterm suffering. When were together in May we joked about who would be the first to go. I'm glad he was surrounded by his dear family. I send my love to all of you and hope to see you again in the near future.

Love,
Bill

Bill March

October 15, 2025

My deepest sympathy go to his family & friends. I knew him as Grandpa Joe, always a fixture at every holiday and birthday party and always there to watch his youngest grandchild. He was so sweet and I wish I would have got to know more about him. What a lovely tribute to man who lived a long life filled with adventure and love! His family is a true testament to what he strived to achieve in life. I can see little Layla in his baby photos and so happy to see his legacy live on in his grandchildren. Love to you all.

Selena Sweeney

October 14, 2025

Joe, you were my uncle and godfather and I have so many memories of the fun times with you when I was little, riding in your “Joey car” VW bug, chasing after coins that you would through for all of us girls to collect. Later the memories moved to tahoe with so many fun times at the cabins an on the beach, hikes along the Meeks bay meadow and creek. Today would be you 86th birthday and without that pesky cancer, I am sure you would have been still hiking, laughing, and loving life.

Terri Connolly

October 13, 2025

Cecily and I hiked the Grand Canyon, rim-to-rim, with Joe several times. Also, Zion National Park. We've been to his Meeks Bay house numerous times, and traveled with him to Prague, and Cambria. We'll miss him. Hope to see him on the Other Side, hiking the Grand Canyon, with no pain, and no politics.

John and Cecily Goode

September 8, 2025

As I age I feel more and more like a child again, but without the snappy casual attitude and the flexible physique.. Things have become so different, the music, the principles. …Joe took it all in stride. He Ubered his way into the future and did it with his dad’s dry humor. Dropping that line deadpan. Much like my family. I think it comes from having Irish priests and his Irish roots.I am more than positive Joe was in heaven hours before the devil knew he was dead. He ubered on in, dropping someone off…showered shaved and had lunch first…..so Hey Joe, God bless you. I am sure you found your next thing. Say hi to your mom. Bless.

Victoria Sazani.

September 6, 2025

Joe we think of you often. Your generosity sharing your cabin in Meeks Bay with us to sharing your stories about your life. You were always positive and kind. What a wonderful life you have lived. I know you’re up there smiling down on your family. Love Mike and Carmen Talbot

Carmen and Mike Talbot

September 6, 2025

Happy memories with the time I spent with you Joe. A great man. Rest in peace. Love Liz X

Elizabeth Watson

September 3, 2025

I miss you Joe! Just yesterday I learned some trivia I know only you would appreciate...
There are so many great memories of times we spent together. I cherish them all.

Kathy Grbac