Joe H. Udave

Joe “Sol” Udave, 94, passed away October 8th, 2020. Born March 24th, 1926 to Jesus and Cipriana Udave, he was a lifelong resident of Santa Paula. He attended school in the area before assisting his family with agricultural work throughout California at age 13.

At age 18, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, a predecessor to the US Air Force. He served his country during World War II from 1944 to 1946. While on leave, he met Victoria Delgado. A week later, they were married. Joe and Victoria went on to have three children, Arthur, Linda, and Elizabeth. In 2010, Joe and Victoria celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Joe was honorably discharged from the military and returned to Santa Paula. He played semi-professional baseball for the Santa Paula Merchants and garnered the attention of Major League Baseball scouts. Joe chose his family over pursuing a full-time baseball career and turned his “green thumb” into a successful, 40 year career in the agricultural industry.

Joe loved spending time with his family and being outdoors. He could often be found on his front porch or in his backyard taking in the sunshine and conversing with neighbors. Joe enjoyed vacationing in Las Vegas and Laughlin and could always be talked into a trip to the casinos. He was a lover of music, the New York Yankees, and was known for his sense of humor.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Jesus and Cirpriana; wife Victoria; sisters Gloria Clearwater (Warren), Dolly Muro (Joe), Jessie Udave; and son-in-law Gonzalo Castaneda. He is survived by his children Arthur (Kay) Udave, Linda Castaneda, Elizabeth (Ron) Young, numerous nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at St. Sebastian Church on October 22nd, 2020 beginning with a viewing at 9:30 a.m., followed by a rosary at 10:30 a.m., and mass at 11:00 a.m. Internment at Santa Paula Cemetery will follow the conclusion of mass.