Joseph T. Valenzuela Sr.

Joseph T. Valenzuela, Sr., a longtime resident of Freedom, passed away on December 4, 2024. He was 87.

Joseph was born on April 13, 1937 to parents Celestino and Alice Valenzuela, in Ventura, CA. After WWII, his father moved the family north, initially to Castroville then to Watsonville.

He joined the Marines in 1954 and upon returning from his service, he began working at Watsonville Canning & Frozen Foods. It was here that he met the love of his life, Jane. They were married on February 12, 1961 and settled in Freedom where they raised their 4 children.

Joseph was an avid outdoorsman; camping, hunting, fishing, he loved it all and instilled that same kind of love and appreciation to those fortunate to share those moments with him. He enjoyed reading, mostly historical stuff, especially military history, as well as watching Westerns and war movies. He really enjoyed road trips to Reno, Nevada and Chukchansi. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Joseph is survived by his children, Joseph, Jr., Jerry, and Jeff (DeDe) Valenzuela, grandchildren Jeffrey and Lindsey, great-grandchildren Jayson and Bradley, and his siblings, Juanita, Patrick, Marina, Thomas, and Marie. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Jane, his son Jason, his parents Celestino and Alice, and his siblings James, John, and Delilah. He was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A viewing and chapel blessing will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel – 222 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville, on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 3pm to 9pm. Burial will take place at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery – 2900 Parker Flats Cut Off Road in Seaside, on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 2pm.

Published in The Pajaronian · January 3, 2025