Joe Sisneros

Mr. Joe Sisneros passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024, after a lingering illness. He was born on March 8, 1938, in Santa Fe, N.M. to Jose Amadeo and Laura (Jaramillo) Sisneros. 

He was married to Emelda Gomez for nearly 63 years and enjoyed a long and happy marriage with her until his passing. He is survived by his beloved wife, Emelda; beloved son, Joseph and wife, Lisa Celosse; beloved daughter, Teresa and husband, Bruce Clark; and beloved son, Diego; beloved granddaughters, Maria and husband, Kyle Davis; Jacquelyn; and Danielle; beloved grandsons, Thomas; Dominic; and James; beloved great granddaughter, Mattea; beloved brother, Robert (Bobby) and good friend, Candice Leffer; beloved half-brother, Arturo Jaramillo (Art) and wife, Judy, and first wife, Florence; beloved sister, Geraldine (Gerri); and beloved sister-in-law, Genevieve. Mr. Sisneros was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Antonio (Tony, husband of Genevieve), and beloved half-brother, Richard Sisneros and his wife, Nora. 

Beloved family members also include brothers, sisters, in-laws, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and cousins of his wife’s brothers and sisters, and those of his own brothers and sister. 

The following schedule of ceremonies will be celebrated in Mr. Sisneros’ memory:  

Friday, July 19, 2024 

St. Anne Parish, 511 Alicia St., Santa Fe, N.M., 87501  

Rosary, 9:00 A.M.  

Mass, 10:00 A.M.

Rosario Cemetery, 499 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, N.M., 87501     

Burial at 11:30 A.M.

Reception will be at St. Anne Parish Hall following the burial.   

Mr. Sisneros lived and worked in Santa Fe during the entirety of his life. He began working at the age of eight shining shoes, collecting and selling glass bottles, and eventually, had a newspaper route. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1956 with a high GPA, and then worked as an assembler for the Royal Typewriter Company in Connecticut for one year prior to beginning college. During college, he helped provide income for his family while maintaining a full course of study. He became a butcher at Kaune’s Grocery store in downtown Santa Fe during his Freshman year of college and held this position for four more years. He was also a Field Underwriter for Farmers Insurance Group for two years. Mr. Sisneros graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1961 from St. Michael’s College (formerly College of Santa Fe, and Santa Fe University of Art and Design) with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). He majored in accounting. In addition to schoolwork and the aforementioned jobs, during college, Mr. Sisneros was Senior Class Representative, Vice President of Pan American Club, and participated in intramural basketball and bowling.  

After graduating from college, Mr. Sisneros was a Tax Analyst for N.M. Oil and Gas Accounting Commission for one year.  He took the CPA exam in 1962 and was featured in the New Mexican for scoring in the top ten percent of United States participants who took the CPA exam that year. He started his own business in 1962 and was featured in the New Mexican for becoming the first Hispanic to establish a CPA firm in Santa Fe that served both Spanish and English-speaking clients.  He was mentioned in the New Mexican on another occasion for being a coordinator for the Mountain States Conference of Public Accountants in 1972.  

Additionally, Mr. Sisneros served as an accountant in the Air National Guard Reserve from 1961-1964 and in the Air Force Reserve from 1964-1967. He was a director of the First National Bank of Santa Fe from 1972 -2006. He was also on the board of St. Michaels High School and the board of the College of Santa Fe for several years.  

Mr. Sisneros retired from his firm in 2007 and was a consultant for two more years. CPA partners during his tenure include Mr. Stuart, Mr. Hallquist, Mr. Downey, Mr. Norris, Ms. Duffy, Mr. Parmally, Mr. Winter, and Mr. Barraclough. 

He enjoyed watching movies, news, and documentaries with his wife, Emelda. He also liked to watch sports on television and in person. Football, basketball, and baseball were among his favorite sports to watch. He liked to read historical books, travel, go on pilgrimages, fish, try new foods from different states and countries, stay up to-date-with changing tax laws, and give treats and/or gifts of all kinds to extended family members and Catholic charities. He prayed daily and participated in Mass and church activities regularly.  

Although he had many achievements in life, he was an unpretentious man of few words. When he spoke, everyone listened. Many remember Mr. Sisneros for his intelligence, calm and kind demeanor, life-long practice of his Catholic faith, integrity, loyalty, compassion, wisdom, and generosity. His examples of leadership, humility, and strong love of his family, faith, and friends will continue to influence those who have had the privilege and honor of knowing him. He was loved and respected by so many and will be dearly missed.  

Please share your favorite memories, photos, and tributes online at https://riverafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/   

If possible, an offering of a Mass for the repose of the soul of Joe Sisneros would be greatly appreciated.