Jose

Don’t be fooled by what Jose’s daughter calls his angry “Mexican Dad look.” Behind that look is a man who loves fun and music, works harder than anyone she knows, and loves his children and grandchildren with an indulgent love. 

Jose has spent his life busy and doing. Recognized for his exceptional work ethic, Jose spent his days working as a maintenance supervisor for an apartment complex. But he didn’t just work during “business hours” and his bosses knew they could count on him to handle the after-hours maintenance needs without complaint or hesitation. And his Sundays were reserved for the flea markets. He would spend every Sunday happily perusing the market for used speakers and tools…and whatever else his family needed. Jose loved finding used treasures—trucks, tools, speakers, clothes—and giving them a 2^nd life. 

A father of two and grandfather of two, Jose was always a loving father. While Jose liked the flea market, his daughter liked the mall. When she was young, they would often butt heads, but he always tried to give her what she wanted. When she was in the 5^th grade and begging for the latest, popular shoe, he found something…close. His daughter remembers with love how proud he was of that. After she moved out and became a mother herself, they became best friends. He would call her many times a day, “Where’s my baby girl?” and often spent days playing with and enjoying his little grandson. Always looking for ways to show his love, Jose would show up with his speaker at her door at 6:00 am on birthdays, blasting the birthday song. 

A present father, Jose gave full reign to his indulgent heart when it came to his grandchildren. He would take his grandson with him on his Sunday flea market expeditions, buying little toys to make him happy. He would spend days with his daughter and grandson, just holding the baby or playing with the toddler. When his grandson’s  4^th birthday was approaching, Jose insisted on buying him a coveted Powerwheels car over his daughter’s objection about the cost. With tears of joy in his eyes, he rejoiced in his precious grandson’s excitement.

Besides his family and his flea market, Jose could be found enjoying blasting his music—both Spanish and some English he picked up along the way—on his many speakers or rearranging his tools. He also loved to stand at his truck watching people go by or more often watching the horizon for the arrival of those he loved most. 

A stroke and heart attack have slowed Jose down. Jose’s family reached out to us to get a few extra joys for their dad in the form of grocery gift cards and a gift card to purchase some Christmas gifts for the precious grandsons. It was an honor to provide some special treats for a man who has always delighted in providing special treats to others.