Jose Cirilo Vasquez

2/2/1925 - May 3, 2014 89 years

Dad passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on the morning of May 3, 2014. Dad was born in Chihuahua, Mexico to Maria Concepcion Martinez de Vasquez and Estanislao Vasquez on February 2, 1925. Dad was the second of 5 children and grew up in El Paso Texas. Dad graduated from high school at 15 years of age, but because of Texas law, he had to wait until he was 16 to enroll in college. Dad graduated from Texas College of Mines, now called University of Texas, El Paso, in 1947, with a Bachelors of Science Degree in chemistry and a Minor in Math. Prior to graduating from college, Dad joined the Navy, where he was naturalized. Dad moved to Azusa, California where he began working for Aerojet General Corp. and met his wife, Lupe. In 1957 Dad moved to Sacramento, (Citrus Heights), where they raised their 4 children. Dad worked in research and development of solid rocket propellants and aided in the development of solid propellants for the "Polaris Submarine" launched missiles. Dad also worked on the Minuteman Missiles as well as other missile propellants. Dad's work took him to Italy and Japan, where he lived for several years. In 1984, shortly after moving back home from overseas, Dad retired. Dad adjusted well to retirement, spending more time on his sports and hobbies; golf, gardening, photography, traveling, he tried to do it all. Most of all, Dad loved spending time with his grandchildren. Dad was an active member of the SIR's (Sons in Retirement), Branch 69.

Dad is survived by his 4 children, Victor (Julie) of Auburn, Barbara O'Brien (Steven) of Chico, Patsy of Honolulu and David (Lynn) of Pleasant Hill; 6 grandchildren, Jennifer, Mikonos, Tony, Nick, Annalise and Alexis; his brother Leo and his sister Maria Castillo and numerous nieces and nephews. Dad is predeceased by two brothers Tony and Alex and his grandson, Danny O'Brien.

Dad, we miss you.

Services will be held at Holy Family Church, 7817 Old Auburn Rd, Citrus Heights, Friday, May 9, 2014 at noon. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jose’s honor to the St. Joseph Catholic School in Auburn California.