Joe Pecina

Sotero “Joe” Pecina Born in Corscicana, Texas on April 22, 1938 to parents Crescenio and Juanita Pecina. His stepfather is Santiago Luna. As a young child in the 1940’s he picked cotton to help support his family and as a teenager, he became a hatter and made hand-crafted cowboy hats for Resistol Hat Company in Corsicana, TX

At the age of 18, Joe was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served our country

After his military service, Joe returned to being a hatter working for the Bandera Hat Company in Fort Worth, TX. In 1958, he married his wife, Gloria (Briones) Pecina of Fort Worth, TX.They remained married for 60 years.

During 1960’s he worked for Tandy Leather Company as a leather craftsman and shift foreman and

in 1974, Joe became a bus mechanic for Fort Worth Independent School District --- where his wife, Gloria, was a bus driver for over 20 years. He retired from FWISD as a lead mechanic and supervisor after 24 years.

Joe and Gloria raised six children at their home in South Fort Worth. Joe coached all of his 5 sons through Little League baseball and youth football; and daughter in softball. Joe coached many neighborhood children throughout the 1960’s and 70’s and 80’s -- taking one team with son, Robert, to compete for the state title in Texas.

Joe and Gloria helped to raise two grandchildren and continued to attend baseball, football, dance, wrestling and many other school activities over the past 30 years --- always present; and always enjoying watching their grandchildren flourish (and Dad always coaching from the sidelines).

Joe was constantly working on a “project” of some sort. Always tinkering or working on a car, truck, trailer, and so many other things that he could save or rebuild. He loved his classic cars – 1949 Chevrolet truck, 1949 Chevrolet fleet-line, and his 1967 Ford truck.

He was always on the go running to the flea market, thrift stores, auto shops, etc. If you hung around the house long enough, you would hear him say, “I’ll be back, I’m going up the hill.”

Joe Pecina --- Husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and life-long coach. Thank you for all you did for your family. We love you. You will be dearly missed. Go “up the hill” one last time, in peace.

He is survived by Spouse Gloria Pecina. daughter Delinda Rose Pecina; sons Joe Diaz and spouse Sherri, Robert Pecina and spouse Barbara; John Pecina and Frederick Pecina and spouse Trina;13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild.