Obituaries

Joseph Villaseñor Franco, 80, of Sunol, California passed away peacefully on January 19, 2013 surrounded by his family, after a brave battle with cancer.

Joe was born in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, México on September 23, 1932.

Joe was married to Maria-Elena "Helen" on November 6, 1954 in Tlaquepaque, Mexico; they were married 58 years.

Joe founded his family business, Colonial Carpet Mills in Union City, in 1958 with his brother, Henry. Joe truly lived the American Dream. He started his journey as a teenager with only the money in his pockets and soon his work ethic and passion for life became his recipe for success. He will forever remain an inspiration to those who knew him.

He loved spending time at his homes in Sunol, Guadalajara, and his beachside bungalows in Melaque. Joe enjoyed gardening, home improvement projects, cattle ranching, and barbecues with his family. He will be remembered for his ability to light up a room with his story telling and infectious laugh as well as his deep love for his family and many friends.

Joe is survived by his wife Helen; 7 loving children: Arlene (Jesus), Ernest (Carol), Mike (Roxanne), John (Sigrid), Maricela (Dan), Maribel (Mark), and Cynthia (Juan, dec.); 14 loving grandchildren; and 2 loving great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his loving parents Maria (de Jesus Villaseñor) and Juan Franco. Loving brother to Henry (dec.), Evelia, Miguel, Angelina, Clementina, Ismael, and their spouses. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 24, from 6-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 25, 9am at Mission San Jose, 43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539. Burial will follow at Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park in Hayward, CA.