Joe, not a day goes by that I do not think about you and my son, Richard, who passed away in August last year. I was not able to say goodbye to you at the cemetery because I was transporting Richard to dialysis that day. I hope you both are very happy in heaven with all the family members who went before you. There was something very strange that I attributed to you... I stopped at ARC and while browsing I came across a t-shirt that said "Best Bonus Mom Ever". You always called me Bonus Mom and I will always treasure that as I considered it an honor. I think you led me to that shirt to let me know you understood why I was not at the cemetery that day. Love knows no boundaries. 

I just learned about Joe passing away today. We were very close friends from jr high to working on our undergrads at Metro. I had not seen him in a number of years, but he was always a good friend and helped me out of a couple of tight spots in college. We had a common passion for computers and he helped me get started in a hobby that turned into a profession. 

Joe was also unflappingly positive and his happiness was infectious.

He had a friend in me and I will never forget him.

Joe, you brought light and love to everyone you met. I think that the one thing most of us would like to know at the end of our journey is did we make a difference? Well my dear friend, you made a difference to many. You made me feel that I wasn't alone in some of my struggles. You had a gift of making people feel good. I believe God took you early because you had accomplished what you set out to do. I am just so saddened for the rest of us having to lose you. To the family and friends out there grieving, may Joe's passing serve as a reminder for us to treat one another the way Joe treated us. With love, patience and compassion.

I hold Joe in the deepest respect. It was a pleasure working with him on the Marketing Team at History Colorado. He was a great communicator & I loved to collaborate with him. He was deeply respected by so many here at HC - not just because he excelled at his job, but also because he was a kind, thoughtful & fun person to be around. I miss his positive energy and capable can-do attitude. He worked with great passion & had a natural talent to communicate. I know he loved his family very much & I enjoyed seeing the twinkle in his eyes as he spoke of his sons. He was a proud father. Joe will be missed everyday. He left a huge positive impression on me and many here. With Sympathy,

Joe, my "bonus" son, words cannot express my sorrow in losing you so soon. You lit up my life in so many ways. Movies together in the dead of winter, dragging my oxygen along; breakfasts at I-HOP on Sunday mornings with David and Tyler, surprise visits where we just talked about anything and everything, trying to teach me to bowl.  Joe was always my first visitor during my frequent hospital admissions. Michele, my daughter, considered Joe her blood brother and would do anything for him, including recommending him for a state position. He always remembered my birthday and mothers day with lovely cards and flowers. You will live in my heart forever. God new your heart that was so pure and wanted you back. Only the good die young as they say. I miss your smile every day. We WILL meet again one day.

My son, Chris, is a year older than Joe. During their teenage years, Chris and Joe spent a lot of time together because they had a common interest in computers.

Joe had aunt Barbara's laugh and he used it quite often. I never saw Joe in a bad or unhappy mood. He was always smiling and laughing, which was infectious.

Joe's dad, uncle Larry, used to take care of the Marquez Tree website. When Larry passed, Joe took over handling the website. When he became too busy at work, he asked me to take over the responsibility of the website. Joe's probably in Heaven right now talking about computers with his dad.

Joe left this world way too soon, but as we know, tomorrow is not promised to anyone and Joe made the most of his life while he was here.

He would take his sons to basketball, baseball, and hockey games, creating memories that his sons will never forget.

I am going to add some pictures of Joe from the Marquez Family reunions over the years, starting with the first reunion way back in 1985.

Rest in Heaven, Joe, surrounded by your mom and dad, your sister Veronica, grandma and grandpa Marquez and all of the Marquez aunts ,uncles, and cousins who were there waiting to greet you. 

Don

I have so many memories of Joe during the summers when our family would drive from California to Denver to visit our aunts/uncles and cousins. Since I was a few years older than Joe I remember he was really easy to boss around lol. All of us cousins would play outside at their house in Littleton while grandma made tacos and the adults sat around the table, cocktails in hand, while visiting. Joe and I stayed in contact fairly frequently as adulthood hit us and we experienced the marriage path, having kids, etc. He took the time to fly to Southern California when my dad passed and we made a pact that we would be there for each other when our parents passed along. I still remember the trips to So. Cal he and Michelle made with the boys when they were young and how much fun it was to show them the beaches. When I moved to China for work we would communicate via FB Messenger to keep the connection going. Even though there were patches of time that passed without communication, we always picked up like it was yesterday and no time had passed at all. I’m so grateful I was able to spend some time with him Wednesday morning before the goodbye ceremony and still can’t believe he left us at such a young age. My heart hurts for his boys, his siblings and Michelle. I am unable to wrap my head around the fact that I will never hear his voice again. Fly with the angels Joe. You are finally at peace and I love you.