His Ancestors on his father’s side came over in the 1600’s while maternally in the 1700’s: Joseph grew up in a poor rural farming community surrounded by orange and lemon groves near the beach where he became a voracious reader of the bible at the age of 5 and loved to play basketball, baseball, football, surf and play tennis. His household was also, very devoted to God and the Sabbath was dedicated to prayer, study and helping others. Yet, to always respect the beliefs of others regardless of how different. Early on he was taught to help others and protect the weak and destitute. – Psalm 82:3-4. ‘Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them.
Following his grandfather Joe who in WWII ended up in a German concentration camp and his uncle John who was killed in Korea, his father who was in the army during Vietnam; Joseph entered the US Army as a combat medic with his brothers also entering either the marines or army. He states, “though long ago, those years seem like yesterday, and I remember a lot of others whom I couldn’t hold a torch to – thus, I like to minimize my service”- Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
After leaving the army as a Combat medic, Joseph spent his years in academic research and medical consulting. He was a full professor and former University Dean, and a University Head of Research. Dr. de soto spent several years overseas assisting various intelligence groups. Joseph also was the Editor of Advanced Biochemistry Research, Virology Research, ACTA Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine Letters. In addition, he wrote national and international articles on politics, religion, and medicine.
Joseph spent 4 years on the Navaho reservation developing medical education and providing free health care. He also spent 2 years in rural Appalachia with a similar effort. He has offered advice and prayer for over 300 persons in South berkeley who were having health care issues – James 5:14 “is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up”
