Joe D. Andrade

Joe D. Andrade of Greeley, Colorado, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and brother passed away peacefully at home on December 20, 2014. Son of Genevieve and David Andrade, Joe was born and raised outside of Peckham, Colorado where his parents were sharecroppers. Joe attended Big Bend school through the 9th grade and then College High School in Greeley for the 10th grade. He then attended Gilcrest High School his junior and senior year and graduated in 1950. Joe enjoyed playing basketball in high school and baseball with the Gilcrest Aztec’s baseball team in the summertime.

Joe met Charlotte Rodriguez while playing basketball at Greeley High, where Charlotte attended school, when he was a senior in high school. After graduation Joe was drafted into the Army. While he was on leave, Joe and Charlotte were married on August 15, 1953 in Loveland, Colorado. Soon after, Joe sailed to Korea and Guam and returned home in April, 1955.

At the conclusion of his military service, Joe then went to work for the State of Colorado Division of Employment for the next 33 years. He retired as a manager in 1988. Because of his excellent customer service skills, he started a second career with Rocky Mountain SER where he worked until 2000. Joe was a “forever farmer”. He enjoyed growing tomatoes in his garden, working in his yard, tending to the green grass with numerous roses and evergreen bushes. He enjoyed watching professional sports, especially the Colorado Rockies. Joe was a man of strong faith and he helped to establish a third Catholic church, Our Lady of Peace, in Greeley. He generously donated to many local non-profit organizations.

His proudest accomplishment was his large extended family.

Joe is survived by his wife Charlotte of Greeley; daughters Jo Lynn (Lynn) Johnson of Glacier View Meadows, Sandra (Doug) Blasi of Greeley, Becky Andrade of Denver, Brenda (Mick) Schuch of Greeley, sons Ron (Dorie) Andrade of Okinawa, Japan, Randy (Vivian) Andrade of Greeley and Thomas(T.J.) Andrade of Denver, former son-in-law Gordie Lackie, 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers, Manuel (Ruby) Andrade of Denver, Glenn Andrade of Greeley, John (Mary) Andrade of Denver and Ernie (Joanne) Andrade of Greeley, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by sisters Margaret Mirelez, Kay Mirelez, Ann Penaflor, Jane Martinez, brother Anthony Andrade, and his parents.

Our father will be missed greatly. His humor, generosity, kindness, care and love for everyone will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Stoddard Funeral Home, Monday, December 29th from 5-7 with a rosary service following. A mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30th, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greeley. Lunch will be provided after the mass by the family.