Joe Granado

Jose "Joe" Granado December 22, 1958, to November 11, 2023 Joe Granado left this earth the morning of November 11, but not before hanging around just long enough to give his mom and his sister Frances time to arrive in El Paso and say their goodbyes. Although he left this world quietly, it was never how he lived. Life started out for Joe in the sleepy little town of Dexter, NM, which he would always consider home. He came from a large family by today's standards, being the 6th of 8 children. Joe was rambunctious, mischievous (how could you not be when you had three other brothers to get in trouble with), and always looking for the next big thrill. Growing up, his childhood was probably much like his adulthood in that his mother could be heard yelling out "Jose" or "Josefino" with a stern look and a smile all at the same time after he'd made a joke, was caught teasing one family member or another, or had just finished off one of the many dozens of homemade tortillas his mom made throughout the day. He had many talents in high school, like running track and sewing his own Western-style shirts by hand. After graduating high school in Dexter in May of 1979, Joe went on to join the Marines. Of all his adventures, the memory I recall him speaking of the most would be the time he was stationed close enough to spend time with and wreak havoc with his older brother John, who was serving in the Navy at the time. In his search for adventure, he also found a love for bull riding. He loved the sport and would have continued had it not been for an injury he received during his last ride. After returning home, Joe met and married Jay, and together, they had the two single most important people in his life: his daughter Amanda and his son Jose. Joe could always be heard bragging about his children's accomplishments to anyone he met. He loved them more than he could ever explain. There were other things he loved in life over the years…God, country music, Marlboro merchandise in the 90s, and pretty women. But nothing compared to his love of movies. He had probably seen every film made and had the DVD. He also made sure to copy his DVDs in case anyone wanted to borrow any or was travelling or working out of town. He never hesitated to share his unending library of movies to help pass the time. As life went on, Joe became a National Guardsman and held so much pride in continuing to serve his country. He served in the Gulf War while in the Marines and also served stateside with the National Guard for various purposes, like the Cerro Grande fire in 2000. He was a Jack of all Trades, but his time serving his country would always be the most important job he'd held. Joe's next best love in life came when he became a grandpa. He had three grandchildren: Serenity, Silas, and Calisi, all of whom he loved deeply. Joe was a family man, and while he may not have shown it on the outside, it was clear the most important things in life could always be found at home surrounded by family. Whether Joe was with his kids, grandkids, siblings, parents, nieces, or nephews, he was happiest when the family was near. Holidays brought him joy, and he enjoyed homemade tamales, family gatherings in the living room, and reminiscing about good times. Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Amanda (Jorge); son, Jose (Nicole); grandchildren: Serenity, Silas, and Calisi; mother, Dolores Granado; sisters: Francisca Granado and Guadalupe Gutierrez; brother, Ramon Granado; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a few aunts. Joe is preceded in death by his father, Marcos Granados; sister, Silvia Wilde; and brothers: Gabriel, Concepcion "John" and Savino Granado. A memorial service will be held December 30, 2023, at 09:00 am at Immaculate Conception Parish in Dexter, NM. Interment will follow services at Hagerman Cemetery. The family would like to thank cousin Gina Levario, who made sure Joe's Mom and sister traveled safely to see him. The family would also like to thank the staff of the Hospitals of Providence - Sierra Campus in El Paso for the compassion and care shown to Joe and his family.

Joe Granado

December 22, 1958 - November 11, 2023