Joseph Fonseca Obituary

Joe served his country honorably for 23 1/2 years including in Operation Just Cause (1989) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003). Joe aspired to reach the top rank for an NCO of Sergeant Major. He achieved this goal while garnering many awards and medals along the way, including the coveted Ranger Tab. Hoo-ah! Joe also received a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College while on active duty and had worked toward his graduate degree. Joe was a patriot and an accomplished soldier and his family is very proud of his service.

Joe enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Children's Church. He loved working with children and young people and had taught all ages from kindergarten to high school. Wherever he was stationed he made time to serve in the church. He had also been a Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts.

Survived by his wife Karen; sons, Justin and Joseph; mother Petra Avila; father Jesse; siblings, Patsy, Jesse, Genevieve, Louie, Jessenia and Rosio; in-laws, Manuel Avila, Jan Fonseca, Ronda Fonseca and Anthony Flores; numerous nieces and nephews; along with many aunts and uncles. Family was very important to Joe.

Preceded in death by his beloved Grandmothers, Lisa Fonseca and Macaria Bueno; Grandfather Jesus Fonseca; Grandfather Antonio Bueno passed away before Joe was born but according to Joe's mom they were alike in many ways; Uncles Rudy Fonseca and Felix Bueno.

Joe had cherished the healing talks he had with his Uncle Rudy as they shared memories of serving their country - Uncle Rudy in Vietnam and Joe in Iraq.

Joe had struggled with PTSD and was given a 100% disability rating at retirement. His family knows he is now at peace.

Service will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado on Thursday, January 21st at 1:00 pm.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NLT)