Jose Luis Resendez

Jose Luis (Joey) Resendez was born on September 19, 1995, in Austin to Manuel Resendez, Jr. and Griselda “Chris” Brent. He died on January 4, 2024, of natural causes in Norfolk, Virginia while serving in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Leyte Gulf (CG-55). His first ship was the U.S.S. Truxtun (DDG-103).

His sudden death has left his family, and the many friends he acquired in his short life, heartbroken. Joey was always the life of the party, the “ride or die” and the standout in all he did. Although he lived a short life, it was a life of purpose and adventure. Joey was never one to deny himself a challenge or an experience and that zeal for life was contagious to anyone lucky enough to be in his presence. He had an amazing sense of humor, a quick and enviable intelligence, and a gentleness and kindness rarely found. Words simply cannot capture the deep pain his death has brought to those who loved him. He had a beautiful and genuine smile, a huge heart, and a generous nature. He never met a stranger as he befriended everyone he met. We will miss his bear hugs, his humility, and his infectious laughter. One of Joey’s fellow officers wrote, “Joey was a man of ultimate character and loyalty. He was the type of man you needed in your corner. Charismatic and full of life, there was not a situation you ever felt unsure of when you were with him. Truly a great friend but an even better brother.”

Although born in Austin, Joey grew up in El Paso. He attended St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 2014. He was a standout football player and a member of the track and field team. In his senior year, he coached the St. Patrick’s boys’ basketball team to the diocesan championship. Joey graduated with distinction from Cathedral and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 2019. While at the Naval Academy, this young man of the desert, was on the Academy’s sailing team and his crew competitively sailed from Annapolis to Bermuda in record time. As he was always proud of saying, he was the only D1 athlete in the family. He also competed in intermural boxing and made it to the Navy Brigade Championship in the heavy weight division. He was a highly respected and decorated surface warfare officer in the United States Navy.

Joey is survived by his devoted and loving father, Manuel Resendez, Jr. (Maureen), his mother Chris (Don) his brother Manuel Resendez III, his bonus brothers, (Henry and Steven), his bonus sisters, (Ann Marie and Stacy), and his grandmother, Rosita Resendez. Also left to cherish his memory are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and innumerable friends he met along the way. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Manuel Resendez, Sr. and his maternal grandparents, Jesus and Guadalupe Cruz.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 5pm to 9pm with a 7pm rosary at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer St., El Paso, TX 79904. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 1:00pm at St. Patrick's Cathedral, 1118 North Mesa St., El Paso, TX 79902. Committal Service will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 2pm.

Joey, until we meet again. Fair Winds and Following Seas. Rest in Paradise.