Joseph "Joe" Alvarado DeLeon of La Mirada, CA, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2013.
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Joe was born in Douglas, AZ on October 25, 1920 and though he lived in California for most of his life, he returned to Douglas often to visit friends and family. He married Carmen "Socorro" Rocha, in 1947, and they were happily married until her death in 1995. He was devoted to his family.
Joe started working when he was just a kid, to help support his mother and 6 siblings through the Great Depression. He went into the Army in 1942 and served in WWII, receiving commendations for service and good conduct. After the war, he worked for O'Keefe & Merritt for 25 years, on the line and then as an inspector; he also worked part-time as a barber, a dock worker and longshoreman, and was a handy mechanic and
general jack-of-all-trades.
He loved to dance and listen to music. He regularly attended dances and socials throughout LA, and his dance card was always full. He was also a member of the Douglas Social Club, through which he did philanthropic work. He really loved to drive. He was an avid hiker and walked for miles every day, well into his 90s.
Extremely charming and stylish, Joe really gave meaning to the old chestnut, "they don't make them like that anymore." He was passionate, curious and determined, and always had a great story to tell. He will be sorely missed.
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