Longtime Board Member and Dear Friend of Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, Dr. Joe Spirito passed away.
It is with sadness that we share the passing of our friend Dr. Joe Spirito on March 26, 2020. A man with a heartfelt drive to improve the lives of others by challenging the status quo, Dr. Joe volunteered over three decades of service to our Owners and our Resort.
Deeply respected by fellow board members and highly valued as a mentor and friend, Spirito leaves a lasting legacy at our resort, which we are eternally grateful for and committed to carry on in his honor.
If you have attended an Annual Meeting then you have seen Dr. Spirito in action as he enjoyed opening the session with a joke to lighten the mood. Humor was his way of creating common ground and a connection so we could work together to tackle challenges that could potentially divide us. His leadership style was authentic, he valued everyone equally, taking time to stop and genuinely ask for an update and provide guidance. As we reflect back, so many of us at Carlsbad Seapointe Resort recall how he made us feel so special and how he invested himself in our best interest, often taking a mentoring role.
Which is why it was so touching when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Grand Pacific Resorts Best of the Best Gala in 2019. Co-President David Brown said, “He is truly a part of the Grand Pacific Resorts family as he embraced all Associates and tirelessly championed how to continuously improve the ownership experience.”
Dr. Joe’s passion for helping others began early in life as he started out as a classroom teacher. He went on to rise through the ranks to become Superintendent of the Ventura Unified School District where he is credited as having “improved the lives of those that worked and learned in Ventura Unified.”
Dr. Joe Spirito is remembered for always reminding us to never take others for granted, and that our connections with each other are the most important in life. Joe reminded us to look straight into our loved ones’ eyes, touch their shoulder, and tell them that you Love them. Our condolences go out to Joe’s wife, Mari, Joe’s mother who is 110 years young, and his two children and grandchildren.
We hope that as you enjoy your next visit to your “home away from home” that you will take a moment of gratitude for the contributions Dr. Joseph Spirito made to create a meaningful vacation experience for us all.