John Joe Caudillo

John was born on April 18, 1946 in Anaheim, CA to Jose and Maria Caudillo. He graduated from Washington Union High School. He married Maria Santillan in 2002, in Jalpa, Mexico. John was a Vietnam War veteran, was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service. After his military service, he served for several years in the United States Merchant Marine, where he traveled throughout much of the world. John was employed by the City of Fresno, as a groundskeeper for more than 25 years, until his retirement in 2011.

In later years, he made pilgrimages to Christian sites in Portugal, France, Bosnia, and also Mexico. His focal interest were the sites of Blessed Virgin Mary apparitions in Fatima in Portugal, Lourdes in France, Medjugorji in Bosnia, and Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. During the many years of his life, he expressed a great devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary.

He is survived by his devoted wife of more than 17 years, Maria. He is also survived by loving siblings and their spouses: Joseph and Eva Caudillo, Casty and Mary Caudillo, Grace and Ernest Reyes, Amelia Garcia, and Dario Caudillo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him.

John was known by his family as being a quiet, introspective, and extremely private individual. During the last 3 months of his life, he was hospitalized and cared for by the Fresno Veteran’s Hospital, and later the Sierra Vista Health Center in Fresno. The family would like to express their appreciation to the dedicated and professional staff at these medical facilities.