Jose "Joe" Cruz Yanez

Jose Yanez of Tempe, Arizona passed away on Monday, March 20th, 2023, at the age of 93. After several months of declining health, and days spent in hospice care, Jose died at home surrounded by family.

Jose was born in Arizona on May 29, 1929, to father and mother Jose and Julia Yanez. Born and raised in Arizona, he grew up with his four siblings Gil, Elvira, Henry, and Ofelia.

He met and fell in love with his wife, Lydia, at an early age. It was love at first sight. Attempting to impress her, he did his best to convince her he was older, in order to win her affection – a tender and affectionate story told to his children and grandchildren growing up. It did not matter, she loved him anyway. Their love brought six children of their own into this world; Joey, Gloria, Trinidad, Christina, Lisa, and Julia.

Their lives together spanned decades, the building of homes and a sense of fellowship around them, as they were always a soft place to land for their children and grandchildren.

Jose, lovingly known as Joe, was a pillar of his community. He maintained a lifelong commitment of holding space for others and never turned those who were in need away. He lived a long and selfless life as the patriarch of a large family, who will miss and love him dearly.

Jose was preceded in death by his wife Lydia; his parents Jose and Julia; his children Joey, Gloria, Trinidad, and Julia; grandchildren Joey, and Joseph; and siblings Gil, Elvira, and Ofelia.

He is survived by his daughters Christina and Lisa; grandchildren Jessie, John, Brandon, Michael, Lorenzo, Mark, Steven, Sarah, Julie, Roger, Jonathan, and Lydia; over 20 of his great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and his brother Henry.

A visitation for Joe will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM with Rosary service at 6:00 PM at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Melcher Roses, 43 South Stapley Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85204.

A mass of christian burial will occur Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 30 West 1st Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201. Joe will be laid to rest in Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201 at 1:00 PM.

All those who wish to are invited to attend.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMelcherRoses.com for the Yanez family.