Jose was born to a large family in San Miguel Colorado on March 10, 1931, and passed away on December 26. He spent his younger years working the fields and helping his family. As a young man he joined the Air Force as a medic where he served in the Korean War from 1951-1956.  He returned to the San Luis Valley where he and his wife Sabina began a family and built their lifelong home in Del Norte. He was a faithful man serving as a Penitente for over 50 years at the Morada in La Agua Ramon alongside Edward Vigil. He retired from the sawmill after many years of work. Jose enjoyed fixing things and finding new purpose for old items. He was a master at recycling, long before it was popular. He saved most items to find a new purpose later, often leading to a quick coat of gold spray paint. Sabina preceded him in death along with his siblings (Alejandro, Celina, LeRoy, and Criotilde) and family(Christopher Sisneros, Dale Elberston, Mathew Keys, Christopher Key, Zachary Thomas Key).

Jose’s second wife Helen Flores and her children (Theodore) are still living. 

Jose and Sabina’s children find comfort in their family strength during this time. Their oldest Michael (Teresa) and family Michael Paul (Anessa) and children Alicia and Sabina, Christopher, Cristina (Tommy), and Andrea. Their second child Ramona (Dale Elbertson). Their third child Joe Mabales and family (Nikki) and his children Angela Brewton (Shawn) and children Ashton and Morgan, Brian Cloward, and Joshua Ky. Their youngest child Johnny(JoBeth) and children Mathew  Key, Christopher Key(child Avery) and Stephen Key (Michelle), and their children, Zachary Thomas, Ethan, and Sabrina). Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 6:00 PM at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 10:00 AM also at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte. Interment will follow at the Del Norte Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Monte Vista.