I was a colleague of Jose's in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver for several years. Jose was a thoughtful, bright, and kind person who I came to value greatly as a colleague and friend. He made significant and positive impacts on our school's graduate curriculum. More important, Jose gave his time freely to students and others and played a very important role in the lives of so many young people. I will also think fondly of Jose and his years at the University of Denver. My very best wishes to the entire family.

Your wisdom, compassion, and knowledge will continue to light the way for others in the future, as the many people whose lives you impacted continue on the journey with you in their hearts. Thank you.

With love to you and yours, T.M.

I met Dr. Sisneros in MSW program at DU in 2005 and he was my MSW supervisor, since I did not have an MSW at my field internship site. We met weekly and discussed the challenges of social work and they best ways we thought we should respond. It was during these meetings that I our mentor/mentee relationship began, He was one of my most amazing professors and mentors. He provided me so much guidance and support throughout my program. I am greatly indebted to him. In 2012, I contacted him to let him know I would be applying to PhD programs and he was so supportive. We kept in touch over the years, but I never got to tell him what an impact he made on my life through his mentorship and belief in me. I am now graduating this year and off to ASU for my first faculty position! He always told me "obtaining a PhD is a life-changing experience." He was right! This journey has been well worth it. 
I will miss you, but I will continue to work in this struggle for equality and justice for all and remember you as I do it. 

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. He loved his children and always talked fondly of them. 

You'll be missed,
Stephanie Lechuga Peña

I too had the pleasure of working with Jose at the Graduate School of Social Work at Denver University. He spearheaded the Latino Certificate Program there and was a beloved teacher and community leader.  It was a great loss to the the school and students when Jose moved to New Mexico. I was very sad to hear about the loss of Jose, and so moved by his family members stories about him at his memorial. I know that it was difficult for him to be apart from his sons, whom he cherished, when he went to New Mexico. He was eager to get back to Denver where he would be closer geographically to them and the rest of his family members..

I had the pleasure of working with Jose at the Graduate School of Social Work at DU. He was an incredibly passionate and thoughtful man....and I have very fond memories of him.  My condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

I miss Jose already. He was a guide, colleague, and mentor for me as we worked together as teachers and scholars. He and I led the writing of the Critical Multicultural book which is infused with his voice. He will continue to educate through the relationships he built, the students he educated, the friendships he cultivated, and voice he leaves in what he has written. He is sorely missed as we write the second edition and even more so as a friend. Cathryne Schmitz

January 21, 2016

Una Palabra Para Mi Amigo, Jose A. Sisneros

It is with much sadness that I grieve the loss of my amazing Amigo, Mentor y Colleague, Jose A. Sisneros, Ph.D. Jose was a well-loved bright, caring passionate Chicano man who was admired, respected and looked up to personally and professionally. 

As an Amigo, he was kind, caring, loving, supportive, generous, and overall, fun and a guy with a beautiful smile and great sense of humor.  

Jose was always so proud of his heritage, cultura, familia and educational achievements. Jose always was proud of where he came from and always spoke fondly of his family (as well as of his friends and colleagues.) 
He was a proud dedicated father who highly valued this paternal role. He was the true definition de un Hombre y Padre muy bueno!

As a Professional, Jose was a Professor, Clinical Therapist, Chicano/Latino Advocate; Leader; Mentor and Colleague who was quite passionate about mental health and the need to create competent social workers. Jose was always advocating for higher education and saw this as the means of accomplishing true competence.  He understood the importance of having knowledge and skills to meet the needs of people from all ethnicities, cultures and socio-economic levels. 

Jose was always generous in sharing his knowledge, opinions and beliefs and willing to help others in their life pursuits. He always interacted with his colleagues, co-workers, students and clients with kindness, respeto y dignidad.  Jose has always been a great leader in the field of Social Work in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona at a time when there were only few Doctoral level Chicano/Latino Social Workers and Professors.  His being a strong Male, in a heavily weighted female profession, paved the way for other professional men to join the fields of mental health and higher education. Jose's passing is a great loss to the fields of Mental Health and Academia.

Jose was honoring of all people and their roles as members and contributors of our society.  He encouraged everyone to be and do their best in whatever they did for a living; to work hard, to strive to get the best available training so they could master their field of work and contribute significantly in their roles as society members.

Jose, whom I often referred to as "Vato at heart, loved all genres of music, especially that of his cultura. He was always fun to dance with and was well known for his twenty turns style of tirando chancla. 
We shared many special and fond memories together as friends and colleagues

Jose, I celebrate your life and am proud of all you have accomplished in your short years here on Earth. I am honored to have shared a piece of your life. Your spirit will live on in the lives of so many people who have been so fortunate to have shared in your life.

You, that great old mustache (hence the Vato nickname) and unique dancing style will always be remembered fondly and lovingly. 

May you continue to dance your way into heaven to receive God's greatest blessings and May You Rest in Peace. 
Te deseo adios con carino mi Amigo, Jose. Que Dios te bendiga! 

Para su familia y amigos, Los Siento. Que Dios Bendiga a todos!
I send my deepest condolences to your children, family, extended family, friends, colleagues, mentees and students. 


Su Amiga,
Chris

OBITUARY

Jose Alfonso Sisneros

December 22, 1949 – January 18, 2016

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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