Jose Rafael Vargas

Joe Vargas, age 91, passed away in Auburn, CA on Friday, June 14, 2024. Joe was born on July 23, 1932, in Faial, Azores. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel F. Vargas and Gabriela Korth, his sister Maria Vargas, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Martha and Manuel Lewis, and nephews, Matthew Lewis and Albano Ramos. He is survived by his loving wife Janice Vargas, nephew Manuel (Frank) Lewis and his partner Vicki Hollingsworth, nephew Daniel Ramos, and great-nieces and great-nephews Elaina, Wade, Mason, and Nolan.

Joe grew up on the island of Faial in the Azores with his family where he learned to farm, care for animals, and enjoyed playing soccer. At the age of 18, he joined the Portuguese Army where he served for two years as a corporal in the medical field on the island of Terceira.

After volcanic eruptions struck his home island, Joe moved to California in 1959. He started his life in America working on his family’s farm, as well as for PG&E. Joe then worked for Cal Ida for nine years while attending English classes at night. Joe became a naturalized citizen in 1964. After Cal Ida, Joe began his career at the Auburn Union Elementary School District where he worked his way up from custodian to the head of the maintenance department. Joe worked for the school district for 25-years and was passionate about making the schools a great place for the children to attend.

After retirement, Joe settled into life on ‘Triple V Ranch’ where he tended his cattle, maintained the property, and cared for his beautiful flower gardens. Joe was an animal lover his whole life and will be dearly missed by his cat Abby and dog Luna. Joe loved his life in Auburn and enjoyed taking life day by day.

Joe was an active member in several Portuguese fraternal societies. Since 1980, Joe was an active member of LUSO American Fraternal Organization. He served as president of the Newcastle Portuguese Hall Association (NPHA) for several years, and served as president of the APDES from 1999-2001 and 2003 where he helped organize the annual Portuguese Festa in Lincoln.

A Rosary will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Chapel of the Hills, with viewing to begin at 4 p.m. and the Rosary to follow at 6 p.m. The memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Auburn on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 with a graveside service at the New Auburn Cemetery immediately following the mass. A reception will be held at the St. Joseph’s hall following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice, or the Newcastle Portuguese Hall Association (P.O. Box 993, Newcastle, CA 95658).