Joe M. Nieto

Joe is one of seven children. He had two older brothers, Tito and Jimmy, one older sister, Frances, and three younger siblings, Timmy, Dolores, and Mary.

Growing up, Joe enjoyed physical activity. He also loved to play football and baseball. In his spare time, he liked to build model cars. However, Joe had the most fun when he was simply playing, and spending time with his friends and family.

Joe always showed an interest in learning. He graduated from Redlands High School in 1971. His favorite classes in high school were gym, auto shop, and math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Almgren (G.I. Joe).

Joe was an Army Veteran serving his country in Germany. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Corporal. He received several medals which included: Sharpshooter Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Battery A 3rd Battalion 35th Field Artillery.

Joe’s kindness was unmatched and surreal. He was a true, genuine friend who sincerely loved his family and close friends. Because Joe was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, he had the ability to be liked by everyone he met.

He finally found someone who he could love wholeheartedly when he met Connie Carmen Arias. After dating for some time, he finally proposed to her with a gum wrapper ring. They were married on August 21, 1984 by the Justice of the Peace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Joe adored his family which included his three sons, Joey Nieto, Caesar Nieto, Don Mireles Jr., and his daughter, Michele Mireles. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Danielle, Samantha, Gabby, Mariah, Caesar, Stone, Brileigh, and Brodie.

His primary occupation was being a construction manager. He was employed for around 40 years mostly by Cunningham Davis Corporation.

Also, Joe enjoyed his leisure time. His favorite activities were playing card games (rummy in particular), riding his Harley, and playing Dominoes. As a family, he enjoyed poker nights where they would laugh and listen to Oldies.

Joe liked sports. He watched boxing, football, basketball, baseball, NASCAR, and drag races. His all time favorite team was the Chiefs and then the Celtics. He would be ecstatic whenever the Chiefs won against the Raiders and call Joey and Mario to brag and do a victory dance (if they weren’t there watching, of course).

Outside of sports and hobbies, Joe was an active member of the Road Gents Car Club, Chosen Few Car Club, and the Amigos Motorcycle Club.

Joe enjoyed traveling. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax. His favorite vacations included traveling to the beach and to Las Vegas, Nevada so he could see the city lights.

Joe was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His favorites were his Chihuahuas, Buffy and Sassy. Buffy remained by his side every day following him, sleeping with him, and sitting with him wherever he went. He had two other dogs Shadow and Maroon that rounded out his pet family.

Joe’s retirement finally arrived in 2003 due to health issues. His new life after retirement was spent at his home in Redlands, California.

Joe sadly passed away on July 24, 2010 at his home. Joe fought an honorable and long battle with liver cancer and other illnesses. He is survived by his wife, Connie, children, Joey, Caesar, Michele, and Don, grandchildren, Danielle, Samantha, Gabby, Mariah, Caesar, Stone, Brileigh and Brody, nephew Mario, siblings, Tito, Jimmy, Timmy, Frances, Dolores, Mary and his mother, Frances.

Joe was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Joe always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Words cannot express the fulfillment within his family and friends’ hearts to know such a man as Joe Nieto. To everyone whose life he touched, he will be always remembered for his love of the Chiefs, of motorcycles, and of Westerns, his enjoyment of the simple things in life, and above all his commitment and adoration for his family.