Our Beloved Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend, Joe Loredo, affectionately called "Curly" was lifted by the angels into Heaven on May 30th, 2014 after a valiant battle with Cancer. Joe was born at home, in Austin, Texas on June 16, 1947 to Eleuterio and Paula Loredo. His Brother Sonny said that on the day Joe was born, the Doctor came to the house and went into the bedroom with his mother, and the next thing they knew they heard a baby crying, and out came the Doctor with little Joe in his arms.
18 months ago, Joe was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. He underwent surgery, and began chemotherapy. We all prayed that this would put him on the road to recovery. For a number of months he did well until the Cancer re-occurred, and Joe began his valiant battle that would last 18 months. He carried the challenge that God sent him with dignity, always maintaining a positive attitude until the end. Joe has been an inspiration to all of us. He never complained of pain or sickness throughout all the treatments he was to endure or his hospital confinements. When asked how are you doing? His response would always be "pretty good". He never missed a family gathering throughout his many months of illness. In fact he was at his niece's 15th Birthday celebration the Saturday before his death.
Joe knew no stranger. He was a kind, sensitive and very giving person who understood the meaning of family. His family was his life and his purpose for being. You never heard him utter a harsh word about anyone or anything. He took life and its challenges in stride. Because of his caring and genuine spirit he amassed many friends throughout his years of life, and made sure that he enjoyed those friendships to the fullest.
Joe's primary education consisted of several schools in AISD, Zavala Elementary and then at Brooke Elementary. His parents moved to San Jose, California for a brief time, where Joe continued his education until he returned to Austin. He attended Allan Junior High, and then continued his High School education at Johnston High, where he graduated in 1965. He began his collegiate career after high school at St. Edwards University but as his wife Terri said he made a 4-year study into 15. It was at St. Edwards University that Joe met the love of his life, Terri Alvarado.
Joe as a young man enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. He played baseball for the City Leagues of Austin, and played basketball for Pan Am.
Joe was a very civic minded individual. As a young man he served on numerous Community Service Boards that offered support to East Austin. He served on the Grand Jury several times taking this task very seriously. He was active in the NALC Union, serving as an elected trustee for several terms.
Joe's work-life offered him many opportunities. His first job was as a busboy at La Tapatia Restaurant where he earned 30 cents an hour, which he considered to be "big bucks". He worked a short time at a printing company as a type setter. Interestingly enough, he worked for Mission Funeral Home and helped pick up bodies and transport them to the funeral home. In 1968 Joe decided to spread his wings and he joined the Navy. He served in active duty from 1968-1971, touring the world and making many friends along the way. Though Joe left active duty after his time in the Navy he continued with the Navy Reserves and then transferred over to the Army National Guard where he served honorably for 22 years until he retired from Military Service.
When Joe returned from the Navy he began what would be his major career when he began working for the US Postal Service as a letter Carrier. Soon after he started his career, on November 22, 1975 he married the love of his life, Terri Alvarado. Joe and Terri settled in Austin Texas. Terri and Joe began their family and in that union were born two children, Vanessa Loredo and Joe Loredo Jr. Joe worked for the Postal Service and his main assignment was as a letter carrier. The US Postal Service tapped Joe to assume a supervisory position but he soon realized that he wanted to be out among the people and elected to go back to his letter carrier position. His main area of assignment was the downtown area and some parts of East Austin where he grew up. After a very successful career with the Postal Service, Joe retired with 36 years of service. In those 36 years, Joe made many friends in all of the buildings that he entered.
When Joe retired from the U.S. Postal Service he soon realized that he really enjoyed working and wasn't ready for a life of retirement, so his retirement was short lived. He returned to work and began specializing in security detail. He first went to work at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) providing security service at the Capitol and surrounding State buildings. After retiring from that post, he went to work for Travis County, serving as a security officer at the Correctional Facility in Del Valle. When his wife Terri decided to retire after a 33 year career as a teacher, Joe again retired for the third time, so that they could both do what they loved to do, and that is travel.
Joe and Terri purchased a travel trailer that they attached to their truck, and they ventured off to the East Coast of the United States, traveling all the way up to New York, visiting Niagara Falls, and coming back down through New Hampshire until they made it all the way down to Key West, Florida. Terri said that it was a long journey, and once they reached the tip of the United States at Key West, they ventured back home to Austin, Texas. Joe loved road trips and always wanted to rent a car to see the sights but I don't think neither he nor Terri were as excited about pulling a travel trailer. On their next trip they elected to fly. They flew to Seattle, (leaving the travel trailer behind) and rented a car driving down the west cost of the United States. Since he served so many years in the Military, Joe always had to find a Base in whatever town he was visiting. Joe was military through and through.
In the early days of their marriage Joe and Terri traveled through Europe. Their daughter Vanessa would always remind them that they did not take her with them, but as Terri said to her, "You weren't even in our thoughts at the time we travelled to Europe."
After they returned from the East and West Coast travels of the United States, Joe decided it was time to go to work again. It was during this time that he would fall ill and require many visits to the Dr. In spite of his failing health, Joe went to work for Robert Muller Airport as a security guard. His employment was short-lived because the Dr.'s told him he would have frequent medical visits and so Terri made him quit. Joe was always considered a dependable employee, and with a new job you cannot ask off frequently and stay in good standing so he reluctantly resigned.
In his later life, as Terri referred to Joe, "His couch potato days". He enjoyed watching Seinfeld and Two and a Half Men. When he really wanted to reminisce, he would watch Archie Bunker and some of the oldies but goodies. The other shows he enjoyed watching were the late night shows- Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, and all of those that would keep him up into the wee hours since he did not have to get up early to go to work. He enjoyed eating out and would often meet his siblings and niece Irene for lunch. Some of his favorite eateries where Joe's Bakery where he could see old friends and would eat what he considered to be the best "Menudo". Joe loved to eat at Mr. Gatti's because of their Buffet. He would serve himself two salads and then ask them to put a Sampler on the Buffet because it had everything he liked on a pizza. Chinese Food at Buffet King was another favorite along with meals at Taco Cabana and Arranda's.
Though Joe's life was cut too short, he lived a full, happy and productive life in his 66 years. Joe leaves many memories for us to cherish. He has been joined with his family in Heaven and he leaves many here on earth.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Eleuterio and Paula Loredo; In-Laws Juan and Guadalupe Alvarado; Brother Henry Loredo; Sister Natalia Beltran and Husband Ramon; Niece Staci Dawn Hernandez, Great Nieces Lindsey Loredo, and Nicole Beltran.
Joe came from a large family, and when he and Terri married, the family got even larger.
Joe is survived by his devoted and loving Wife Terri of 38 years, his Children, Vanessa Loredo Drew (Husband Christopher) son, Joe Jr. and grandchildren Maximus Esteban and Fiona Feliz. Brothers: Ignacio (Wife Elena), Sonny (Wife Judy), Michael (Wife Barbara); Sisters: Mary Loredo, Annie De Luna (Husband Juan), (22) Nieces and Nephews, (50) Great-Nieces/Nephews, (14) Great-Great Nieces/Nephews.
Joe's Family as a result of his marriage to Terri include: Sister-In-Laws: Alejandra Martinez (Husband Mario) Angelita Garcia (Husband Juan), Maria Josefa Ledesma (Husband Javier), Maria Alicia Trevino (Husband Mario). Brother-In-Laws: Roberto Alvarado (Wife Linda), Julian Alvarado (Wife Paula). (18) Nieces and Nephews, and (13) Great-Nieces/Nephews.
Joe's family would like to thank the many local physicians and nurses who oversaw his care throughout these months. Every effort medically possible was offered to help Joe. Thanks to the physicians and staff at MD Anderson Hospital. To the staff of Hospice Austin, and the staff of Christopher House where Joe spent his last hours, thank you for being you. Thank you seems so small but knowing that Joe and our family were not alone on this long journey, has made it easier for us to accept God's will.
Honorary Pallbearer's: Albert Jurado, Ralph Sustaita, Ignacio Loredo, Sonny Loredo, Michael Loredo, Mario Trevino and Javier Ledesma.
Official Pallbearer's: Nephews; Lloyd Loredo, Jacob Gonzalez, Gilbert Loredo, Loren Guerra, Robert Beltran, Robert Alvarado Jr., Julian Alvarado, and Guadalupe Martinez.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Sta. Julia Catholic Church, 3010 Lyons Rd Austin Texas 78702. Please reference in a note to the Church that your donation is given in memory of Joe Loredo.
Services under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home:
Friends are cordially invited to a Visitation Wednesday, June 4, 2014 from 6:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. with a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, June 5, 2014, 10:00 AM at Sta. Julia Catholic Church with Internment to follow in Assumption Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sta. Julia Catholic Church, 3010 Lyons Rd, Austin, Texas 78702
Condolences may be sent to
www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com
