He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years of marriage Elena R. Lopez who passed from this life on May 13, 2015. He is survived by one sibling, Jonba; eight children, Carmen Minerva, Joaquin (Jr.), Helen, Gladys, Migdalia, Wilfredo, Carlos, and Timothy; sixteen grandchildren, Freddie, Alma, Ada, Gabriel, Maximilian, Joaquin Anibal, Yezenia, Orquidea, Deloraida, Jaquaireus, Luz, Reese, Grace, Calia, Caden, Bishop, and Damian; and fifteen great-grand children, Ashton, Nolan, Autumn, Jacqualine, Heather, Jonah, Justin, Solena, Analayah, Josiah, Sienna, Maleyah, Malachi, Alyna, and Anais.
Joaquin was born on August 21, 1927 in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico to Tomas Lopez-Rodriguez and Ricarda Flores. He is preceded in death by his parents; eleven siblings, Romulo, Domitilo, Lardo, Monico, Maria, Tasín, Crispulo, Cano, Julian, Menche, and Luis; and three grandchildren Janelle, Elena, and Ricardo.
Joaquin was a dynamic, affectionate, and amazingly innovative individual who loved his family and life with all his heart. Joaquin served his country in the U.S. Army for 30 years, serving in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired from service as a First Sergeant on May 31,1980 having received many awards and commendations including but not limited to the following: National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal for service in Korea, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal with 10th awards, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with ’60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Army Commendation Medal with V Device.
“Táta” or “Tío Góle” as he was often called by family, was always full of energy and up to something important, or so it seemed. He was passionate about his family both near and far away, and never passed up the opportunity to support a family member in need in both big and small ways. He owned rental properties but preferred to keep them unoccupied and always ready for family members who were visiting from afar. He had many vehicles and did the same, taking special pride when visiting family from Puerto Rico would make use of his vans upon visiting the States. Always one for a good dad joke, Joaquin never stopped telling tales and trying to make his family giggle. His self-effacing humor, fatherly advice, and wisdom will be dearly missed by all.
All services for Joaquin will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Services include a visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, a funeral service at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and a committal service from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. The services and will be included Military Funeral Honors officiated by Chaplain Robert Lewis.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joaquin’s life. Condolences can be sent to 22 McBurney Blvd, Widefield, Colorado 80911. The family would like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice for their efforts, care, and dedication, and giving Joaquin and his family comfort and support in his final weeks, days, and hours.
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