- Date Of Birth: December 25, 1928
- Date Of Death: November 3, 2020
- State: New Mexico
Joseph Louis Tapia
December 25, 1928 – November 3, 2020
Joseph Louis Tapia beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather was called by the Lord unexpectedly on November 3, 2020 at age 91.
Joseph Tapia was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is preceded in death by his Father Juan Tapia and Mother Delfinia Tapia, Brother John Tapia, Sister Pita T. Gonzales, Daughter Christina (Tina) Martinez and Son John Tapia. He is survived by his loving wife Delores Tapia of 70 years. Daughters Pamela Ortiz (Tom), Anna Maestas (Charles), Tricia Tapia and Susan Sotelo (Mike). 18 Grandchildren, 38 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren.
He attended St. Michael’s school in downtown Santa Fe from grade 1 through 12. He loved his sports and enjoyed playing football while he was in high school. He graduated in 1948 and continued to play football while attending St. Michael’s College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served in the National Guard. He was employed by the University of California at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1953 and retired in 1990 after 37years of service. He also worked at Moore’s Clothing Store on Saturday’s and Holidays till Moore’s closed.
He loved sports; football, basketball and especially loved his golf. He was a member of the Santa Fe Country Club and enjoyed playing in numerous tournaments throughout his lifetime and touring the state with the Senior golfers. He once entered a tournament sponsored by KOB TV held at the Santa Ana Star Golf Course. The tournament was only one shot per person opportunity for a chance of a hole in one. The prize was an all-inclusive trip for two to the PGA Skins game in Palm Springs, California. No one hit the hole-in-one but Dad came closest to the pin and won. Our parents enjoyed the tournament and had the opportunity to meet Tiger Woods. How rewarding and exciting was that! Mom and Dad thoroughly loved their yearly trips to the Lawrence Welk Resort in Escondido, CA where Dad played golf daily at the resort and in the surrounding area.
Dad, thanks for all the fond memories and all the good times we’ve shared together throughout our lifetime. We will forever hold you in our hearts.
