Jose Sosa Zamora

SUNRISE:March 2, 1939SUNSET:March 9, 2020 As I relive Jose's life and think of what I would say today, I am reminded of three themes - 1. Jose was only passing through 2. Is my family bitter or better because of Jose's death? And 3. Jose is cured. Jose was born on March 2, 1939 in La Feria, Texas to Manuel and Angela Zamora. There he lived with 10 other siblings, attended elementary school, and then branched out when he secured a job with the 7-Up Bottling company. Later, he migrated to cities and towns and other places where his migrant journeys led him to the cotton fields, vegetable farms and shacks, and fruit trees in cities and towns across this great country. Jose often spoke of the hard times and how difficult it was to secure a stable job. He was denied opportunities and job interviews because he lacked either the qualifying education and/or work experience. Jose decided the only way to get experience was to join the US Army. He served in Korea and Vietnam. Jose loved serving his country and he was proud of his military service. It was one of the highlights in his life. While in the army, Jose attained his GED and took and passed the Postal Service Entrance Exam; the results placed him on the eligibility list for a job in the US Postal Service. Upon his discharge from the army, the US Postal service hired him. He was employed as a Postal Clerk, became a union steward, and retired as a unit supervisor. He retired from the US Postal Service after 25 years of service. Not bad for a migrant worker with an 8th grade education. Jose's parents, Manuel and Angela, and two brothers, Ruben and Victor preceded him in death. Victor's wife, Conrada, joins us today. Jose leaves behind his daughter, Joelle, and her husband, Jim; a grandson, Ronnie, and his wife, Alicia; and 3 beautiful great grand children, Isla, Maya, and Noah. And, most importantly, I am left with many memorable dates, times, and events in our union. He is survived by eight siblings, 6 sisters - Mary, Guadalupe, Ester and her husband Gregorio, Fela, Janie and her husband Hilario, and Gloria and her husband, Lupe - and 2 brothers - Manuel and Pete and his wife, Tulle. Numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws also survive Jose. Yes, Jose was only passing through when he came to Colorado. He came to work the farms along the front-range. I met Jose on his first day in Colorado. He and a friend came to the restaurant where I waitressed and I happened to wait on them. Jose flirted and said, "I'm going to marry you." I walked away. I did not see him for about 2 years and then we met again at a dance. The rest is history. Are we bitter or better because of Jose's death? I say better. Jose and I had a beautiful life together, not perfect but good. We lived somewhat successful lives, established great relationships with family and friends, experienced great careers, purchased a home, raised and educated a highly successful daughter, and enjoyed a great grandson, his wife, and 3 beautiful great grandbabies. Jose was not an avid sportsman, but he loved to fish and hunt. He seldom caught fish, but he looked forward to going to the lakes and rivers around the state. He also loved to hunt. Most times, he came home empty handed when he went hunting; yet, he truly enjoyed the wilderness, the open spaces, the mountains, and the camaraderie with those who accompanied him. After he retired, he joined a bowling league and bowled once or twice a week. We also hiked together with a Senior Hiking Group - trekking the trails along the Front Range was fun and exhilarating. For many years, Jose and I volunteered and contributed our time, skills, and talent to help the less fortunate in the Latino community. We were both active members of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He was also a long-time member of the Mile High Chapter of the American GI Forum.Before he became ill, Jose served in the Men's Club here at Guardian Angels Church. And for several years, Jose and I spent every Wednesday and Thursday in the basement of the old St. Joseph's School preparing a well-balanced dinner for about 300 homeless individuals. Jose was not a traveler so he stayed close to home - said he had enough traveling when he went to Korea and Vietnam. Jose was our family's greatest cheerleader. He beamed with pride when our daughter graduated from high school and when she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Then he stood proudly as he watched our grandson graduate f rom high school and also when he received his Engineering Degree. Before he was ill and even after he became sick, Jose frequently commented that we had to make sure that our great grand babies could afford a college education. I'm sure their parents, their grandparents, and their great grandparents will make that happen if the babies choose to further their education. Our daughter and her husband, my grandson and his family, and I do not have any reason to be bitter. We are better because Jose and I worked not only to enrich our marriage and family, but we believe that we modeled and shared the good life with our daughter and her husband, with our grandson, his wife, and kids, with the Church, and with our community. I believe Jose has left a very positive legacy for us. Lastly, I thank God Jose is cured. No longer is he suffering the pains of cancer, the confusion of dementia, the bleeds in his brains, and the hopes of walking again. - no more strokes. He is cured and Jose is with the Lord in heaven. I know he is in heaven because the entire family is a believer and we practice the values, dogma, and virtues of our Catholic faith. Jose received an Apostolic blessing and was anointed prior to his death so I am confident that his soul went directly to heaven upon his death. Yes, my husband, my partner, my lover, my confidant, my cheerleader, my protector, my everything is physically gone from this earth but he and I will reunite again when God makes that second call. Until we meet again, soar with the angels, my love.You will forever remain in my mind and heart. Thank you all for sharing this time with us.We appreciate your support. Thank you again. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IN LIEU OF CONTRIBUTIONS OR FLOWERS, PLEASE DONATE TO: SCHOLARSHIP FUND c/o AMERICAN GI FORUM, MILE HIGH CHAPTER 1717 FEDERAL BOULEVARD DENVER, COLORADO 80204 303 455-3304 Cemetery Details Fort Logan National Cemetery - Staging Area "C" Previous Events Visitation & Rosary MAR 17. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (MT) Romero Family Funeral Home & Ft. Logan Mortuary - Denver 4750 Tejon St Denver, CO 80211 [email protected] Loading map Catholic Mass MAR 18. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (MT) Guardian Angels Church 1843 W. 52nd Avenue Denver, CO 80221 Loading map