Jose A. Grijalva

Jose was born on October 5, 1933 “at 8 am” (as he always made sure to mention to everyone) in Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico.

He is survived by his adored wife of 58 years, Refugio Grijalva, his eldest daughter Dolores Grijalva, his son Jose Antonio (Joe) Grijalva Jr., and his daughter Patricia (Patriqui) Grijalva, his daughter-in-law Angie Grijalva, his granddaughters Laura Kovacs, Diana Savattere, Leslie Granillo, and Alexis Grijalva, his grandsons Daniel Rodriguez, and Anthony Grijalva, his grandsons-in-law Peter Kovacs, and Chezorae Savattere, his great-grandsons Chezorae Savattere II, Giovanni Savattere, and Ethan Kovacs, his great-granddaughters Alinna Savattere, Sela Savattere, Amayah Savattere and his great-great grandson Chezorae Savattere III.

Jose had humble beginnings, working from the time he was able to read and count, delivering the newspaper to help put food on the table for his parents and his siblings. He was a daredevil as a child doing things like climbing the cathedral wall, standing on his head on the crown of the statue of St. Augustine and hanging from the staff. He later became afraid of heights.

Jose always dreamed of living in the United States and it became a reality. He had many passions one of which was singing with his amazing voice. He had a brilliant mind ever expanding his knowledge as an avid reader. He was a crossword puzzle enthusiast and a creative soul who enjoyed making nativity

scenes, Halloween decorations, and piñatas for many of his nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Jose’s most cherished achievements were singing in a choir for Pope John Paul ll on his visit to Los Angeles, learning English to teach his children, but most of all he was proud of his beloved family and wife. The love he had for his wife was visible in the way he looked at her. He never grew tired of praising her and saying how blessed he was to call her his wife. Until the end, he professed his unwavering love to her forever captured in her heart.

Jose created beautiful memories for his children, taking them on many adventures in his station wagons (his family car of choice).

He made his food inventions that he called his “Grijalva Specials”. Jose always made sure that his children’s Christmas list wishes were granted which meant traveling all over town to find the popular toy of the time. He taught his children to love God, the value of education, hard work ethic, and always putting family first. He was the most supportive and awesome father a child could wish for, and was their biggest cheerleader.

Jose leaves a legacy of love, faith, family and music that will live in their hearts forever until they are reunited again.