Jose "Joe" Agapito Gonzales

Alamosa resident Jose (Joe) Agapito Gonzales passed away on September 19, 2019 at his home in Alamosa surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on October 21, 1918 in Amalia, New Mexico, the son of Sarita Sandoval Gonzales and Juan Domingo Gonzales. Joe served as a ranch foreman most of his early life and retired as a Custodial Supervisor from Adams State University after 23 years of service. In his youth, Joe belonged to the Fraternidad Piadosa de Nuestro Padre Jesus in Amalia, New Mexico. He also enrolled in the Albuquerque District 8th Corps in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CC Camp) serving in the Espanola Company 2832 SCS-4-N. The CC Camp was part of the New Deal Program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt offering jobs to youth during the Great Depression. Jose was called to service on March 12, 1941 during World War II. He served as a Private First Class-Longshoreman assigned to the 692nd Port Company. Joe served overseas with the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion embarking on the USAT Thomas H. Barry landing in Belfast, Ireland and was reassigned to the Transportation Corps-Port Company 396. He served in the Invasion of Palermo, Sicily; the Invasion of Marseilles, Northern France; and the Invasion of North Africa-Oran. He was the recipient of the American Defense Service Medal; the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal; and the Good Conduct Medal. He received the Infantry; Aviation and Marksmanship Badges. Before separating, Joe was sent to Wolfensburg, Germany awaiting honorable discharge, which occurred on August 14, 1945 at Ft. Bliss, Texas. Joe was a devout Catholic who enjoyed going to Sunday Mass. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Joe was an avid fisherman who loved to camp in the mountains, and gardening was his expertise. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include his loving wife Corelia (Cora) Gonzales of Alamosa, CO; daughter Donna (Joe) Griego of Alamosa, CO; grandchildren Nichole (Chris) Medina of Dallas, TX; Tina Griego, Austin, TX; Tony (Katherine) Griego, Austin, TX; Angelica (Aaron) Ashbee, Austin, TX, grant grandsons Chayse Gonzales and Everett Griego, both of Austin, TX, great granddaughters Sevyn Medina of Dallas, TX; and Emelia Griego of Austin, TX. Joe is also survived by one sister, Elciria Torres, Longmont, CO; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Sarita Sandoval Gonzales Vallejos and Juan Domingo Gonzales; two sisters, Orlinda Barela and Senaida Miera; and one great granddaughter Alexia Jordan Medina. A special thank you to the Visiting Angels, Alamosa County Nursing Services, At Home Health, SLV Health, South-Central Colorado Seniors and all who assisted in Joe's care. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 at the Romero Funeral Home from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2019 and the Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church in Alamosa. Interment will follow at the Alamosa Cemetery.

Jose "Joe" Agapito Gonzales

October 21, 1918 - September 19, 2019