Jose Bustamante Millares

November 27, 1926 – May 16, 2021

Fresno, California - Joe passed away peacefully on May 16, 2021 in Fresno, CA at the age of 94. He was born on November 27, 1926 in Bangar, La Union, Philippines, the eldest child of Telesforo and Julita Millares. Upon high school graduation where he was the school’s valedictorian, Joe attended University of Santo Tomas in Manila, obtaining a degree in civil engineering, magna cum laude. He placed third in the country’s national professional civil engineering licensure exam.

After working for the Philippine Government for many years, Joe moved his family to the United States to chase the American dream of a better life for his family. He began his career in the U.S. in the County of Madera and eventually rose in positions to become the City of Madera’s Assistant City Engineer. Afterwards, he became the City of Porterville’s City Engineer. Throughout his career he held many other important and high level public service positions in San Jose and Berkeley. He received many commendations and awards for public service in all the places where he worked. After retirement, much time was spent at his home in Fresno enjoying his hobbies: playing chess and collecting rare coins. Joe and his wife, Paz, also travelled together to many parts of the world.

Joe will be remembered for his intelligence, confidence and taking on challenging projects and situations. More importantly, he was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He lived a rich and full life and always trusting and confident that God is by his side.

Joe is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Maria Paz, children Jose, Jr. (Elizabeth), Liz (Jack Van Loon), Jaime (Susan), Jesus (Maria), and Joel (Stacey); grandchildren Marie (Philip Cerdenola), Michael, Jillian, Ryan and Jack; great grandchildren Joziah, Paz and Dia.

Joe's viewing/visitation will be from 4 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, May 26 at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA. A Rosary Service will be at 10 AM on Thursday, May 27th at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center Church, 1572 E. Barstow Ave., Fresno, CA.