Joseph Ynes Vasquez

He is survived by his wife Maria Vasquez, his daughter, Valerie Houseworth and son-in-law Stan Houseworth, his sons Montana Vasquez, Richard Vasquez and daughter-in-law Waraporn Pimrat-Vasquez, and his daughter Camie Pizana and son-in-law James Pizana. As well as his grandchildren: Brandon Houseworth, Jordan Houseworth, Karissa Houseworth, Sydney Vasquez, Ethan Vasquez, Neko Pizana, and his great granddaughter Melanie Houseworth. And his Brother Emilio Vasquez. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Harvey Vasquez and Henry Vasquez, and his daughter-in-law Jeannie Vasquez.

Ynes, as he was known as in his youth, moved with his family to Five Points, CA, where his dad worked in agriculture. Joseph graduated from Riverdale High School where he would become a gifted Honky-Tonk Saxophone musician. While in high school, Ynes and his friends formed the Original Rhythm Aces band. He and his band played across the Central Valley; including the Rainbow Ballroom, for many years. When it came time for college, he studied another one of his passions, art.

During his senior year of high school while playing at a dance in Mendota, Ynes looked across the room and saw her….the gorgeous young lady, Maria Hurtado. He told his bandmate Benny, “I am going to marry that girl.” That night, Ynes introduced himself to Maria and asked her and her family on a date to the Rainbow Ballroom.

They would continue to date and dream together until they were married in 1963. They moved to Tranquility before relocating to Kerman and beginning their life as a couple. Soon after, they welcomed their first daughter, Valerie. Twelve months later their son Monty was born.

Ynes, always an ambitious and hard-working man, bought a house and moved his family to Fresno, CA in 1966. This is the house that they would bring their son, Richard, and their daughter, Camie, home to.

Ynes was a brilliant man and had wonderful communication skills. This led him to a career in insurance sales. Joseph, as he was now known in the professional world, worked in the insurance industry for more than 30 years. Working his way up the ranks, he helped thousands of clients. His career started at National Life Insurance Co. and went until his retirement from Allstate Insurance Co.

Joseph always worked hard to provide but always remembered that family comes first. At work he earned many trips for he and his wife, Maria. As a couple and as a family they traveled to other states and countries throughout the years. He especially enjoyed the outdoors, taking his family on vacations to amusement parks, zoos, visiting extended family, and camping.

After retirement, Joseph focused on working with his wife Maria on their own real estate investment properties. Unfortunately, after falling from a roof and enduring several back surgeries, his activity was limited.

Joseph was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by many.

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