Joseph (Joe) Luis Vazquez
Joe Luis Vazquez of Santa Barbara passed away peacefully in his sleep at Serenity House hospice care on Thursday November 5, 2020. He was 75.
Joe was born on September 18, 1945 in Mexico City, Mexico to Esperanza Morelos Chavez and Fidel Rodriguez Vazquez. He migrated to the United States in 1957 and settled in Santa Barbara joining his mother, three of his four sisters and his three brothers. He married twice and fathered four sons and one daughter.
Joe attended Wilson elementary school, Santa Barbara Jr. High, and Santa Barbara High School. He was trained as a mechanic in his early years and eventually an investment caster working at Jostens in Summerland, CA. He boxed at the local gyms and enjoyed camping, fishing off the breakwater, pier and on chartered boats off Santa Cruz Island. In his early days he loved driving his convertible Austin Healey with the top down and even helped with the Coyote Fire in 1964 which he was very proud of. He loved hiking in the hills above Montecito and going to Red Rock on the weekends. He can always be found socializing on East De La Guerra Street with a cold beer and cigarette talking to everyone and anyone passing by. You can always count on him being the jokester of the group and always ready to have a good time.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Esperanza and Fidel; sisters, Hilda Vazquez and Laura Ponce De Leon Vazquez. He is survived by his children, Joseph Jr., Xavier, John, Jason, and Elizabeth; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; sisters, Guillermina Corral and Teresa Castillo, and brothers, Maximo Vazquez, Fernando Vazquez and Ralph Vasquez.
Joe cared tremendously for his children and always put them first. He will be truly missed by his friends and family. His toughness in life goes without saying. God bless you Dad and rest in paradise.
A special Thank You to Serenity House Hospice care for over 8-1/2 months of fantastic care for our Dad, your kindness and service was second to none.
A private memorial and spreading of his ashes by his family will be at a date TBD.