Joe T. Altamirano

Husband, Father and Grandfather, Joe T. Altamirano with family at his side, sadly left us on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the age of 97 to be with the Lord.

Joe was born on March 31, 1926, one of six children to Jose B. and Dolores Altamirano (two of which passed away as infants). He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Aurelia "Werita" Altamirano and oldest daughter, Susan Gomez (Bobby), Siblings, Mary Gradillas, Frances Alvarez, Oscar T. Altamirano and nephew, Armando Altamirano (Bernadette). He is survived by his three children, Joe A. (Frances), Rozanne Canizales and Janet-Jo Leyva (Jerry); nine beautiful grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Joe was a devoted, faith-driven man who committed his life to family and the Church.  Parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church and assisting in the Mass as Lector and Eucharistic Minister, Joe and his family attended from 1958-1972 at which time the church was closed by the Diocese. Joe, Werita and family continued their participation in the Church serving as Lector and Eucharistic Ministers at St. Augustine Cathedral. Joe became a member of the Parish Council and Finance Committees assisting with the continuing development of active Parishioner participation for over 50 years. For a good part of those years, Joe could be found opening the church doors to prepare for the daily 7:00 am Mass. More recently, Joe was receiving the Holy Eucharist in his home as a result of his advancing age.

Joe loved visiting with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and could routinely be found singing children's songs including his favorite, "You Are My Sunshine." Each and every grandchild and great-grandchild were routinely rocked to sleep with their papa's soothing melodies. In addition, Joe was an avid Wildcat Fan and spent countless hours watching PGA golf on TV.

Upon his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy having served in Okinawa during World War II, Joe began employment with the Arizona Sash and Door where he joined his father in cabinet making both commercial and residential products for over 22 years. He then joined the University of Arizona, Physical Resources Department where he was hired as a draftsman and eventually transitioned into cost assessments for classroom and building modifications. He was with the University of Arizona for over 21 years where he then retired and began focusing on family and his love of woodworking.  Papa's love of woodworking is displayed in each of his children's and grandchildren's homes, including personalized wooden chairs for all of the new babies.

Losing his beloved Werita in 1980 was Dad's biggest heartbreak.  He looked forward to being reunited with his Werita and his Susie.  Dad was a humble man and an inspiration to us all; he lived a wonderful and faithful life.