Joe Vega died July 20, 2003, at Santa Teresa Hospital in San
Jose after complications from a fall. He was 78.
Joe Vega died July 20, 2003, at Santa Teresa Hospital in San Jose after complications from a fall. He was 78.
Mr. Vega was the loving husband of 57 years to Gloria Vega of Gilroy; dear father and father-in-law of Robert Vega of Minneapolis, Minn., Patricia and Paul Kloecker of Gilroy, Benjamin and Tina Vega of Gilroy, Al and Rhonda Vega of Dallas, Texas and Laura and Mike Simoneau of Gilroy; grandfather of Valerie Kloecker of San Francisco, Joseph Kloecker of San Diego, Elizabeth Vega of Minneapolis, Benjamin Vega of Gilroy, Patrick Vega of Dallas, Jennifer Simoneau, Alexander Vega and Jalen Simoneau of Gilroy; sister Lupe Herrrera of Seguin, Texas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his sister Virginia; and daughter-in-law, Lynda Vega, survived by
Mr. Vega was raised in Seguin, Texas. He moved to Salinas in 1943 as a member of the Army Air Corps. He met Gloria Placensia at a local dance and they married Aug. 15, 1945 (VJ Day), and settled in Gilroy in 1946 where they have lived for the last 57 years.
Mr. Vega was an active member of his community throughout his life. He was an auxiliary Gilroy Police Officer 1956-61, a devoted Little League baseball coach from 1956-64 and a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gilroy Post 6309. He worked as a welder from 1947-49 at Bee Gee Corp. He co-owned Tony’s Place on Monterey Street from 1952-54 and then worked as a welder at Air-O-Fan from 1954-64 and Federal Pacific Electric, Milpitas, from 1964 to retirement in 1988.
Mr. Vega was an avid gardener, golfer and sports fan. The greatest joy in his life came from gatherings in his home with family, friends and good food. He also enjoyed annual camping trips with his wife, Gloria, and his children and grandchildren. He will always be remembered for his integrity and loyalty to his family and friends but most of all for his loving smile.
A private service was held with family and friends and a military ceremony by VFW Post 6309 Honor Guard at Habing Family Funeral Home. Burial service with additional military honors was held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery near Santa Nella.
The family asks that any donations be made to Gilroy VFW Post 6309 in honor of those who served our country.
