Joe C. Valverde passed away peacefully in Colorado Springs on March 31, 2022, at the age of 98.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Amy V. Martinez, granddaughter, Jillian Martinez, and son-in-law, Ed Martinez, as well as his nieces and newphews. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Tillie C. Valverde, of 63 years, parents (Antonio and Delfina), three brothers and two sisters.
Joe was born on February 20, 1924, in Ribera, New Mexico. He served in the Army Air Corps (later the USAFA) from 1942-1945. In 1946, he re-enlisted in the USAFA and served honorably for 20 years. Throughout his military career, he was stationed in the USA, India, China, Japan and the Philippines. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant, in 1963.
Following his military retirement, he became a barber. Then, he attended technical school for computer programming. He went on to work at Memorial Hospital as a computer operator and retired 18 years later as the Computer Operations Manager.
Joe was an incredibly loving, dedicated, supportive husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed music, traveling and cooking. He was also a brilliant problem solver, the consummate planner, and a man of great faith. His strength and resilience will be remembered always.
The funeral mass will be held April 8, 2022, at Corpus Christi Church Parish. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Joe’s name to the World War II Museum in Colorado Springs or the Weisbrod Aircraft Museum in Pueblo.