Obituary of Joe Flores

Joe L. Flores, 78, a lifelong resident of Salinas, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, February 26, 2011, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Joe was born September 21, 1932 in Driscoll, Texas. He started his family in Marysville, CA and lived the last 52 years in Salinas. Joe will be best remembered as a kind man who truly enjoyed his life and the people he shared it with. Joe married Pearl Espinoza of Marysville, Ca. They created many memories together and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. They enjoyed one another’s company by going to lunch, working together, and driving around in Joe’s blue Chevy truck. Joe worked for the City of Salinas in Parks and Recreation for 52 years. He’ll be greatly remembered for his work at the Salinas Sports Complex, Muni Stadium, and the Recreation Center. When he wasn’t working, he could be found at the Salinas Fairways or Valley Center Bowl where he created many enduring friendships. He was happy going to his grandchildren’s sporting and school events or taking them to the park. Joe was a faithful fan of the 49ers and San Francisco Giants and was honored to take a picture with the World Series Trophy. Above all, he loved his family, he loved having them all together, and always taught them to "be good.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Delores Flores, his brother Danny Flores, and his sister Lupe Carrasco. He is survived by his wife, Pearl Flores; daughter, Gloria (Ruben) Romero, son David Joe (Denise) Flores, daughter, Debbie (Ernesto Garcia) Flores; grandchildren, Ruben Joseph Romero, Jennifer Flores, Jonathan (Christina) Romero, Anthony Joe Flores Garcia, Jessica Jo Flores, and Trisha Garcia; great-grandchildren, Zachary Flores, Anthony Joe Garcia Jr., Marissa Garcia, and Violet, Mason, Jade, and Jeremy Romero. His surviving brothers, Chayo Flores, Manual Flores, Johnny Flores; sisters, Lydia and Frances Martinez, Eva Flores, Helen Perez. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 2nd from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd, Salinas, CA. A special memorial will take place at 6:30 p.m. to share memories and stories of our beloved Papa and friend. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 3rd at 11 a.m. at Healey Mortuary, followed by the burial service at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 850 Abbot St., Salinas, CA. A reception will follow at the Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main St, Salinas, CA.