Jose Montijo

He was born January 15, 1959 in Los Angeles, CA to Carmen Roldan (née Carillo) and was the oldest son of 5 children.

Joe was an avid football player who gained notoriety through his career at Banning High School.

After high school he matriculated to Fresno State University on a football scholarship.

Always the family man, Joe decided that he was too far away from his loved ones and relocated to a junior college in his native Los Angeles.

Under the tutelage of Patrick and Imelda Carey, Joe was accepted to Occidental College earning his BA in Political Science while leading the Tiger football team as quarterback. After college Joe began working for Proctor & Gamble before moving to Coca-Cola.

It was at Coca-Cola that he met the love of his life, Hilde.

After marrying in 1989, Joe and Hilde welcomed their first son William in 1990. Upon moving to Colorado they were blessed with a second son, Joseph in 1994. Through the years their family grew with the addition of many pets, all who he adored, especially Big Ellie.

A lauded businessman, Joe excelled in positions at Coors Brewing, Thermo King, Ingersoll Rand and Simplex Grinnell all while operating an independent Big O Tires franchise. Though he excelled in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, Joe's biggest success was in his role as a father.

Joe's love and dedication to his children and family was his sole driving force in life.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Hilde and sons, William and Joseph, mother; Carmen Roldan, brother; Vince (Maria), sisters; Judy and Antoinette as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his step-father Robert and sister Joann.

A wonderful father, husband, brother, mentor, businessman, athlete and friend.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 8 from 5-7 PM with Recitation of the Rosary at 7 PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver. Joe's life will be celebrated at 10 AM on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 2200 South Harrison Street, Denver with a reception to follow. Interment will be 1 PM Thursday, October 9 at Hampden Memorial Gardens, 8600 E. Hampden Avenue, Denver

Burial arrangements under the direction of Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery.