Joseph Viarreal

Joseph S. Viarreal of Ohkay Owingeh and current resident of Espanola, NM departed this life to join his Maker and deceased family members on March 30, 2022 at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, NM after a courageous battle with a lengthly illnesses. He was born on August 13, 1938 to the late Estevan and Ernestina Viarreal.

He is preceded in death by his siblings Juan Viarreal and Clara V. Romero, his in laws Don Wright, Sarah Viarreal, Prestly Martinez, Esther Viarreal, Miguel Valdez, Frank Romero and many other relatives.

He was a proud veteran who served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War with his duty assignments split between the USS Midway and USS Cogswell-DD-651 as an Engine Man E-5.

He was a devout Catholic. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and managed The Eagles Club for many years. His favorite past times were fishing, camping, and telling his Vietnam War stories. But most of all… spending time with his daughters, grand kids, and great grand kids. He looked forward to his sister Mary’s daily phone calls and taking his daily ride stopping by the casino to play his machines.

He is survived by his daughters Charlene Dean (Charles) and Regina “Gina” Cata. His step children he helped raise to adulthood Maureen, Eileen, David Jr., and Joseph “JJ” Ortiz. His grand children Charles “Chuck” Dean III, Alisha “Cessa” Martinez (Michael), Kyle Krantz (Felicia), Muriah Dean (Angie). Brothers Jose E (Maria), Robert (Josephine), Larry (Veronica), Kenneth (Ida) Viarreal. Sisters Mary Wright, Theresa Valdez, Jeanette (Thomas) Espinosa, Orlinda Martinez. God children Michelle Wright-Dejong, Raquel Ulibarri, Kevin Valdez, Genevieve Lujan, Melissa Montoya and many other nieces and relatives.

We would like to thank his care taker Marina. The nurses, Doctors and staff at the VA hospital for their medical expertise while he was in their care. Family and Friends for their continuous support.

Pallbearers: Charles “Chuck” Dean III, Kyle Krantz, James and David Viarreal, Kevin Valdez, Joseph Lopez, Gary Trujillo and Matthew Quintana.

Honorary Pallbearers: His great grand children Noah Cata, Jeremy, Misha, Madeline, Summer Martinez and LaKai Krantz.

Services will be held on May 2, 2022 at The Saint John Baptist Church in Ohkay Owingeh. Viewing from 2:30-3:00 PM, Holy Rosary 3-4 PM, Funeral Mass at 4:00-5:00 PM. Burial will be held on May 3, 2022 at 9:00 AM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

Special thanks to Rivera Family Funeral Home, a special thanks to Theresa Westfall for their professionalism and compassion while preparing our dad for his final resting place.