Joe Najera

May 5, 1949 – October 6, 2022

José (Joe) Najera was born in Mexicali, Mexico and came to the United States with his family when he was six months old. Raised in East Bakersfield, he attended Our Lady of Guadalupe school and graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1967.

Joe served in the US Army from 1968-1971, which included a tour in the Vietnam War. After Vietnam, Joe was stationed in Washington, D.C., and when he completed his active duty, he returned to California and enrolled at the Brooks Institute School of Photography in Santa Barbara.

During a trip home from Santa Barbara, Joe met the love of his life, Rose Zamora. He moved home so that they could get married and begin their family in Bakersfield. They had three children together, and they recently celebrated their 49th anniversary.

When he was a newlywed and new father, Joe attended Bakersfield College and graduated from Cal State Bakersfield with a degree in business. He went on to work in the local agricultural industry for nearly 40 years. The majority of his career was spent as a sales manager for Vincent B. Zaninovich and Sons. His job took him to visit clients in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, which fed his love of travel. After his retirement, he enjoyed reconnecting with former co-workers during luncheons at the American Slavonic Club.

In recent years, Joe appreciated getting together with former classmates and long-time friends from East High. He would join them for meals at local restaurants, go bike riding, and attend events with their spouses at the Eagles Club. Joe was quiet—more of a listener—but he appreciated the camaraderie of his friends in those communities.

Most of all, he and Rose had their routines together, including weekly Mass at OLPH and dinners out. They also enjoyed frequent trips to visit their grandchildren while also making time to visit national parks and vacation in Mexico. He would regularly document his travels with photos that he would post on social media and send to family.

To Joe, family was of the utmost importance. He had close relationships with his three children, offering support and encouragement for the different paths that their lives took. He and Rose were godparents to many of their nieces and nephews. Joe’s nephews often relied on him for advice and guidance. Later in life, he was a doting and devoted grandpa—affectionate and proud of his grandchildren. He was most happy when his children and grandchildren were all together during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and he would always document family occasions by taking pictures and portraits.

Joe was the heart of his family, always reaching out to his kids, siblings, and extended family to keep everyone connected. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, we will miss and love him always.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents José and Socorro Najera, siblings Mary Yako, Beatrice Hinzo, Tony Najera, Carmen Reyes, and Michael Najera. He is survived by his wife, Rose; children Jennifer (Joe Sepulveda), Sandra (Jerry Moran), Paul (Amanda); grandchildren Grant, Eliana, Selah, Adalia, Christian, and Isla; siblings Frank Najera (Frances), Mary Ruth Watson (Jody), and Jesse Najera; as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing and rosary at Hillcrest Memorial on October 19th beginning at 5pm. The funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be October 20th at 10am followed by burial at Hillcrest.

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