Joseph De Sisto

Joseph De Sisto, 79, died in Fort Pierce on July 1,2006. He was born in Salto, Uruguay, to
Plutarco Sixto and Elisa Bettelini. He was a naval architect. During the 1950s and 1960s, he built many wooden racing boats, sailboats, fishing boats and canoes, most of which are still in service today.In 1969 he brought his family to the United States and worked for Bertram Yachts in Miami. After moving to Fort Pierce, he worked for Lydia Yachts in Stuart. He was responsible for designing and supervising the construction of many beautiful, large-scale boats, including the "New Englander II," an 83-ft. yacht which carried members of the press covering the 1983 America's Cup race; the "Klondike Princess," a 104- ft. corporate party yacht which took part in the 1986 4th of July boat parade, during which the renovated Statue of Liberty was unveiled; and "That's My Hon," a 90- ft. sportfishing boat, which at the time of completion in 1986 was the largest of its kind. Mr. De Sisto was an artist and a craftsman, and throughout his long career he was recognized with many awards for design excellence. After retirement, he continued building boats right up to a few weeks before his death.He had been a member of Community United Methodist Church for many years. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Bertina De Sisto; his children, Betty McDavid and husband John; Marcelo "Marc" De Sisto and wife, Jackie, all of Fort Pierce; Bertina Dew and husband Michael of Kingsport, Tennessee; and Lison Maurer and husband Ken, of Port St. Lucie; grandchildren, Adriana, Elise and Erica Dew of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Alexa Matlack and Jake Maurer of Port St. Lucie; three step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.