Joe "Baby Joe" Loredo Jr

“Baby Joe” as we affectionally called him, traveled a beautiful, simple, and happy life that serves as a lesson to all – “Enjoy life and live it to your fullest. You only have one and you will only pass this way but once, so don’t let it be in vain!

 Born on November 7, 1981, in Austin, TX at Seton Hospital Joe was the smallest baby that the Neonatal Center had ever seen at 1 lb 1 oz and 12 inches from head to toe. The doctors told us , “We’ll be lucky if he lives 3 days.” Joe spent the first 11 months of his life in neonatal intensive care, and at 11 months of age, he weighed as much as a newborn, 7 lbs. He was a fighter from the start. He beat the odds and surpassed every expectation to survive. The prognosis was that he would be a very sickly child with lung problems, but he remained healthy most of his life. We count our blessings that we’ve had him for all these years.

Joe’s developmental milestones were hit on his own schedule, delayed. When Joe became a big brother, he began noticing and following Vanessa’s footsteps, and inspired him to take his own. He would watch her as she began walking, then soon after, took off chasing after her. He never slowed down. He was never one to just sit around. Even though they were three years apart, it was like having twins, both in size and developmentally.

Joe was a seasoned traveler. He joined his family on every trip his dad, Joe, Sr. booked, of which there were many. Joe travelled across the United States with his parents in their RV. He visited many National Parks, Disney, and Europe. He was a jetsetter and loved staying in hotels.

Joe loved being around people. He was the life of a party, especially with family. He loved to give hugs, and if he really liked you, he would bless you with “noogies”.

Joe was an athlete and outdoorsman. He excelled in track and field at the Special Olympics. Joe knew the meaning of sportsmanship. One time, when his race started, he darted ahead of the whole group. When he realized that all his friends were left behind, he turned back around, to encourage them to catch up with him. As a result, he earned a silver medal, honorably.

Joe also enjoyed bowling class when he attended McCallum High School. Joe was especially close to his father. Wherever Joe, Sr. would go, Joe, Jr. went with him. He loved going to church and participating in the choir up until his daddy died.

Joe loved anything that he could use to make a rhythmic sound. His favorite stimulus was popping lids in a Ziploc bag. Mom had to keep the bags under lock and key, or else he would use them all up in no time. Those closest to him knew of his affinity for baggies, and often he would receive thoughtful gifts: a box of gallon-sized bags.

Joe also loved burgers and cookies. If he had been allowed, he would have had a burger at every meal, with a cookie for dessert.

Joe was a YES man. Any question asked of him, he would nod with a yes. He rarely complained, and he usually had a smile on his face.

The week of Thanksgiving 2022, he began feeling ill with what seemed to be a stomach bug. In retrospect, they were symptoms of a greater problem. The following Sunday, Joe experienced a seizure, and was rushed to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed a mass in his brain, which was later confirmed to be glioblastoma, an aggressive malignant tumor with a grim prognosis. Despite a timeline of “weeks to months” Joe succumbed to this deadly disease just ten days later. He was never a complainer. It was hard to tell he was not feeling well at times. He took everything in stride and dealt with it the best he could.

On December 7, 2022, with family by his side he took his final breath, peacefully and calmly. Just as he had lived his life. His journey was over! Joe had touched the lives of so many people in such a positive way. He showed us how to live without hate, discord, or malice for anyone. He loved life! he loved people! He made the best of the challenges sent his way! Joe you’re passing this way but once has not been in vain!

Joe is survived by his loving mother Terri Loredo, his sister Vanessa Loredo Drew, brother-in-law Christopher Drew, nephew Maximus, niece Fiona Feliz, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved dearly. Joe is preceded in death by his father Joe Gilbert Loredo, Sr, grandparents Eleuterio Loredo, Sr., Paula Loredo, Juan Alvarado, Jr., and Guadalupe Alvarado.

Joe will be dearly missed and will never be forgotten. He is no longer in pain/suffering. Joe has earned his wings and is now happily reunited with his beloved father. RIP “Baby Joe” till we meet again!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Loredo family.