Joseph Ernest Valdes, 92, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away on November 20, 2022. He was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on September 4, 1930, the son of Teodora "Dora" (Papa) and Juan Bautista Valdes.
Joseph had many names, Joe of course and Dody which is the nickname he received from an Aunt as a child.
He graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1948.
Joseph served with the US Army in Germany where he reconnected his mother with her Swiss/Italian side of the family, then returned to Santa Fe in the 1950's.
In 1954 he married Patricia Jean Annon.
He was president of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council, a founder of Los Caballeros de Vargas, and he organized and directed various project for the City of Santa Fe. He was a member of the City Planning Commission when Santa Fe adopted its Historic Styles Ordinance in 1957. Elected to the City Council and later left that position when he became Mayor of Santa Fe in 1972 serving through 1976.
He was a self employed business man, owner of Valdes Paint and Glass later evolving into Santa Fe Antiques and becoming the official greeter.
Joseph started collecting classic cars in the mid 1970s, his favorite was his 1959 Ford Fairlane Hardtop Retractable. He proudly displayed his car at the annual vintage car club show on the Santa Fe Plaza for decades. If you asked him what color his car is he would reply with "Tortilla White and Chili Red!"
In 1997 he married Bernadette Pesenti-Valdes. They were active and social throughout their 25 years marriage.
He was a faithful member of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi where he served as Minister of Hospitality.
Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Teodora "Dora" (Papa) and Juan Bautista Valdes; his first wife, Patricia Jean (Annon) Valdes; and three brothers, John Gabriel Valdes (Eppie), Lawrence Theodosius Valdes (Wilma), and Eugene Anthony Valdes (Clara).
He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Pesenti-Valdes; his daughter, Janet M. Valdes; and son, John J. Valdes (Everet R. Apodaca); and many family and friends.
Pallbearers were: Los Caballeros de Vargas
Honorary Pallbearers were: Bill Valdes, Tito Karlson, Mark Valdes, Tim Valdes, Alice McKernan, Anthony Trujillo, and special friends too many to list.
Joseph Ernest Valdes, 92, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away on November 20, 2022. He was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on September 4, 1930, the son of Teodora "Dora" (Papa) and Juan Bautista Valdes.
Joseph had many names, Joe of course and Dody which is the nickname he received from an Aunt as a child.
He graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1948.
Joseph served with the US Army in Germany where he reconnected his mother with her Swiss/Italian side of the family, then returned to Santa Fe in the 1950's.
In 1954 he married Patricia Jean Annon.
He was president of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council, a founder of Los Caballeros de Vargas, and he organized and directed various project for the City of Santa Fe. He was a member of the City Planning Commission when Santa Fe adopted its Historic Styles Ordinance in 1957. Elected to the City Council and later left that position when he became Mayor of Santa Fe in 1972 serving through 1976.
He was a self employed business man, owner of Valdes Paint and Glass later evolving into Santa Fe Antiques and becoming the official greeter.
Joseph started collecting classic cars in the mid 1970s, his favorite was his 1959 Ford Fairlane Hardtop Retractable. He proudly displayed his car at the annual vintage car club show on the Santa Fe Plaza for decades. If you asked him what color his car is he would reply with "Tortilla White and Chili Red!"
In 1997 he married Bernadette Pesenti-Valdes. They were active and social throughout their 25 years marriage.
He was a faithful member of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi where he served as Minister of Hospitality.
Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Teodora "Dora" (Papa) and Juan Bautista Valdes; his first wife, Patricia Jean (Annon) Valdes; and three brothers, John Gabriel Valdes (Eppie), Lawrence Theodosius Valdes (Wilma), and Eugene Anthony Valdes (Clara).
He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Pesenti-Valdes; his daughter, Janet M. Valdes; and son, John J. Valdes (Everet R. Apodaca); and many family and friends.
Pallbearers were: Los Caballeros de Vargas
Honorary Pallbearers were: Bill Valdes, Tito Karlson, Mark Valdes, Tim Valdes, Alice McKernan, Anthony Trujillo, and special friends too many to list.
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