Joe passed away peacefully at his home in Hughson with his loving wife by his side after a brief illness with brain cancer. He was born August 5, 1959 in Willows, California. He was the eldest of 5 boys.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret Lourenco and Brother Carlos Lourenco.
He is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl (Fantazia) Lourenco, sons Joseph Jr. and Jonathan Lourenco, daughter Jessica &(AJ) Miranda, brothers; David (Melanie) Lourenco of Hughson, CA, Frank (Sondra) and John (Donna) Lourenco of Livingston, CA; sister-in-law Katherine (Steve) Cozzitorto of Hilmar, CA, brother-in-laws; David (Tami) Fantazia of Hilmar, Ronny (Georjia) Fantazia of Florida and granddaughter Heartlyn Rose Gerhardt of Hughson.
Joe worked for South San Joaquin Irrigation District for 17 ½ years. Prior to SSJID, he was in the Dairy business since he was 2 years old, milking cows and working on the farm was a normal and necessary part of life growing up. He spent his early years in Gustine. Joe’s family moved to Turlock when he was in the 8th grade where he later attended and graduated from Hilmar High School. He had a love for gardening and a green thumb which provided him with an abundance of many variety of vegetables, this allowed him to make delicious stewed tomatoes and homemade beans. Joe also enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley Davidson, and visiting his family, but his three greatest loves were raising beef cattle, his wife Cheryl, and his granddaughter Heartlyn. Joe will always be known for his amazing work ethic, having pride in everything he did, and helping others whenever possible. Joe never met a stranger. His legacy will live on through his many friends and family whose lives forever will be impacted by his bigger than life presence.
Cheryl and Joe are grateful for the support of their family and friends as well as Optimal Hospice and 21st Oncology of Modesto while going through this difficult time.
A visitation for Mr. Joseph Lourenco will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, February 18, 2019 at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service: 286 W. Main Street, Turlock, California. There will be a recitation of the rosary during the visitation at 7:00 PM.
A funeral mass will occur at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at All Saints Catholic Church: 4040 McKenna Drive, Turlock, California. He will be laid to rest following the services at Turlock Memorial Park: 575 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock, California.
Please send remembrances to Fava Day Kids: P.O. Box 1827, Turlock, California 95381.
Services for Mr. Lourenco are under the care of Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service (FD504) in Turlock, California.
