Jose Refugio Aceves

Born on March 27, 1952 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX to his beloved parents Catalina and German Aceves, he was also known lovingly by family and friends as “Cuco”, his childhood nickname. Joe lived a full and remarkable life. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in El Sereno, CA where he grew up, he attended Trade Tech LA, where he studied drafting and went on to hold a successful engineering career as a Control Systems Designer, which afforded him the opportunity to travel abroad and see the world. This is also where he met and fell in love with the love of his life Madelyn, they were married in 1979.

Joe had many interests and hobbies. He was a talented auto mechanic, sports coach, dance dad, and enjoyed music and collecting and playing guitars. He earned the nickname Mr. Gadget because of his knowledge and passion for tools and innovation. He enjoyed cooking and was a talented chef and found so much joy in sharing meals with his loved ones. He touched the hearts of everyone he met through his kindness, generosity and genuine interest in the lives and well being of others.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years Madelyn Aceves, as well as their children and their spouses; his son Joey Aceves and his wife Linnea Aceves. His daughter Madelyn Gauthier and her husband Tim Gauthier, his daughter Sherri Villanueva and her husband Brandon Dodd. He will be missed dearly by his 4 grandchildren Vincent Rosenthal, Alissa Aceves, Gavin Aceves and Janessa Gauthier who lovingly referred to him as their Papa Joe, or Papu. He was also blessed with his 5 siblings whom he loved dearly; Herman Aceves, Gloria Rupp, Cecilia Aceves, Catalina Sandoval & Maria Arana and their spouses and children, his treasured nieces and nephews, as well as many cherished in-laws, friends and neighbors.

A viewing and Rosary will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Upland on May 4, 2026 at 11:00AM, followed by a Mass at 12:00PM. The family thanks his team of countless doctors and nurses from Davita Pomona, San Antonio Regional Hospital, Cedars Sinai Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center and Kindred Hospital for their compassion and care.