Joe Almendarez Aguayo
February 15, 1929 ~ May 19, 2025
Born in:
San Antonio, TX
Resided in:
New Braunfels, TX
It is with solemn sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Almendarez Aguayo, who went to be with our Lord on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the age of 96.
Joe was born in San Antonio, Texas, on February 15, 1929 to Manuel Aguayo, Sr. and Severina A. Aguayo. Joe was a man of great faith who loved others deeply and wholeheartedly, with a kindness that made everyone feel at home. He never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t made yet, and he left a lasting impression wherever he went. His passion for history was contagious and he delighted in sharing stories of the past, bringing them to life with every conversation.
Joe served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1952 during the Korean War and also in the Army Reserves for 4 years. He had a passion for life and experienced it to the fullest with a variety of interests. Joe was Golden Glove Champion two years running and loved to play baseball and softball.
He was a dedicated member of the historical organization Los Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez. In his professional career, he worked at the City Annex Building as a draftsman for the HB Zachry company.
His jobs took him to Jubail, Saudi Arabia for two years and to Baytown, Texas, in the 1980s. He also worked at San Antonio Water System as a civil engineer/draftsman, where he fondly earned the nickname GQ Joe.
Joe was a true friend to many. His warmth, generosity, and genuine spirit will never be forgotten.
Joe is survived by his daughter Monica Aguayo Johnson, his brother George Aguayo (Micaela), his sister Rosario Aguayo, his grandchildren Sheryl Pesnell (Chad), Michael Aguayo (Kaci), Joshua McCall (Ashlee), Chris Sims, David J. McCall (Carol), Stephen Evans (Lacey) Justin Kottwitz (Andrea), Lauryn Johnson, and numerous great grandchildren.
Joe is preceded in death by his father, Manuel Aguayo Sr., his mother, Severina A. Aguayo, his daughters Andrea Aguayo Smith and Celine Aguayo, his sisters Ermalinda Aguayo and Irene A. Aguayo, his brothers Louis Aguayo and Manuel Aguayo Jr.
Services
Visitation: Friday, May 23, 2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1254 Business 35 N.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-624-0500
https://www.luxfhcares.com/
Service: Friday, May 23, 2025 6:00 pm
Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1254 Business 35 N.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-624-0500
https://www.luxfhcares.com/
Cemetery: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 10:15 am
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78209
210.820.3891
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Richard Mendoza Jr
Hug My Mommy, Celine, Andrea, G~Ma Liz, G~Pa Boyd, Grandpa & Grandma Aguayo and Mr. Richard Mendoza ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Dear Family, I am so sorry you’ve had to say goodbye now to such a kind man. I know you will all miss him and I’m here if y’all need a shoulder to cry on. Big hugs and prayers are with you.
With adoration, Stacie Lange Bell
Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time.
Josh Plummer
Grandpa Joe,
I didn’t get a chance to thank you for everything you did and meant to me in life, so I will take this opportunity to do so. I thanked you many times as Nana was near the end of her journey in this world, but there is so much left to say, and even at this time I don’t know that I can eloquently phrase not only what you meant to so many, but also uniquely to me. Anyone that knew you, knows you knew no strangers, were incredibly giving, never had a bad thing to say about anyone, but perhaps most importantly lived a life in Christ modeling the most important of all rules, the Golden Rule. For all the 42 years I have been alive, you were my Grandpa Joe, and for us Harari kids, the memories of all the time we spent together, living at yours and Nana’s house, the vacations we took, baseball games, school functions, and all the pivotal ups and downs in life, you were there. Perhaps one of the most important things I learned from watching and you, was that “love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” You showed what true love and devotion is by how you acted, how you spoke, and how you cared for Nana. For my entire lifetime you supported Nana through her MS, and eventually her cancer. I know you did it because of love, but I thank you for doing it because as I am now married and have kids of my own, I understand what a tremendous example you were. The love you showed your friends and family cannot be duplicated and I know you treated us all like your own. I thank you also for loving and taking care of my mom. I know to her you’ll always be her dad. Kevin and you had a truly special bond, and know that when he talks about you, which he often does, he smiles from ear to ear. You were an example for us all, a humble servant, a true believer. May God bless you in his kingdom, may you enjoy an endless bounty of hot sauce. Rest in peace Grandpa Joe.
Till we meet again!
-Allan
Grandpa Joe,
It is hard to put into words how much you mean to me, but I am going to do my best here.
You were like a father to me during some of the most formative years of my life. You taught me lessons that have guided and lifted me up through most difficult of times, and for that I am so incredibly grateful. Here are a few that are always top of mind:
As a boxer, you taught me how to defend myself, we used to shadow box in the backyard and I would practice hitting em right in the nose! Even more importantly, I can hear your voice telling me every time I hit an obstacle: “you have to roll with the punches Kevin” life is gonna hit you hard but you can’t let it get you down. You just have to “roll with the punches”. I live by that mantra today.
As a veteran, you taught me to be grateful for what an amazing country we live in, to support our troops, and to take pride in being an American.
As a carpenter, you taught me how to be good with my hands. We used to go to ACE hardware and get all of the lumber scraps and turn them into works of art. From birdhouses to lemonade stands, we turned one man’s trash into another boys treasures. I was in the middle of repairing my deck when I got the news, and my wife was just asking how I got to be so handy, I was so proud to let her know that my Grandpa taught me and began to reminisce on all those times we shared.
As a husband, you taught me how to love. Watching you care for and love Nana through all the trials and tribulations, is an example the few who got see, are so very lucky to have.
As a man of God, you taught me how to serve, and showed me what living a life in Christs image look like. I will do my best to carry that example forward. I know the kingdom of heaven opened its gates wide open for you that day, and I can’t wait till we meet again.
It it is my deepest regret today, feeling you may not have known just how much you mean to me, and I regret I didn’t do more to see you before we ran out of time. So I will take this as a lesson. I will make sure to tell every person I love how much they mean to mean to me as often as possible.
Every day I aspire to be even half the man you are.
The cardinals fan, hot sauce enthusiast, marching band and maricahi music lover, my dear grandpa Joe, I love you.
Love you Uncle Joe
Dearest Joe,
Throughout the many, many years, of being an uplifting, loving partner, grandpa, and friend of the family, you never faultered. Your deep, and everlasting devotion, to my sister Diane, is an example to all. Thank you for the countless, happy memories. I am quite sure your souls are entwined, once again. With much love, Cynthia
The emptiness Joe leaves behind is filled with sorrow, we will all miss him terribly. Having said that, I like to remember Joe, for the so well liked guy he was. There literally was no place where he wasn’t known by someone. From HEB where he was continuously stopped by employees and customers to say “hi Joe” to restaurants (forget about it) he was continuously being greeted, but also in far of places as well.
I remember that there was a time when he was with Auntie Cynthia, Diane his true love (my mother in law) and Siân (my wife) in London at the Heathrow airport when someone started shouting: “Hello Joe, Hey Joe , Joe !!” , yes someone recognized him and wanted to greet him. He was just that likable.
Talk about a charming personality. He had it to boot. Joe will be sorely missed, but up in heaven, where he belongs, he’s being greeted by everyone there. One day I too, will be one more person waiting to say
“HELLO JOE” !
“Grandpa Joe” ,
You were a ray of sunshine in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing you . Epitomized common decency . A life marked by an abundance of love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Active member of your community, Knits of Columbus and so many other activities. You always made time for your extensive family . Your passing has left a void in our hearts . Allyson and Mark and I love you so much and will always cherish time spent with you . Mark commented last night “ grandpa really did it all “” he had a full life” . There are so many stories that could be shared that Mark Allyson and I will always cherish . There is no doubt your memory and love will forever stay in the hearts of family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by you.
“ Grandpa Joe “ we love you and miss you very much . May you rest in eternal peace .
Love Kim , Mark and Allyson
Dear Joe,
You were always a very kind man and Alfred and I enjoyed your company so much. I loved you and your family so much. We miss the good times with you. May you RIP.