Joseph Valdespino

Joe graduated from the University of Florida in Chemical Engineering, and thereafter, built a long and steady career as a chemical engineer, working in the paper industry in Savannah, Georgia for over twenty years and later in the biofuel industry in Minneapolis, Minnesota for almost ten years.

Known to most as “Gator Joe V,” carried a larger-than-life presence with a reputation that supersedes him as a rowdy reptile, paired with a tender heart that those closest to him knew well. Through the stories he told and the way he connected with people, Gator Joe V left an impression in every place he called home. In his personal time, Joe found joy in fishing and in the focus and friendly rivalry of competitive darts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and June Valdespino; as well as his brother, Greg Valdespino. Joe survives his siblings Steven Valdespino and Lindy Pomicter; as well as his daughter, Teresa Valdespino Benton; son-in-law, John Mark Benton; and grandchildren, Julia and Charlie Benton.

A visitation with the family will be held at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway 90e, Pensacola, FL, on May 1, 2026, at 1:00 pm with a funeral ceremony to follow at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place at Bayview Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the many friends and family members for the care and compassion shown in his final days. He was insistent on living on his own, and they deeply appreciate all who made every effort to support that wish.