Jose Leopoldo Vigil

Jose was born in Española, New Mexico on September 25, 1932 to Alfredo and Jacobita Vigil. He is survived by his siblings Manuel Vigil, Dorothy Davis, Clorinda Sandoval and Angela (Ed) Turner. One of his fondest memories was when he was 4 years old and his Papa Antonio and Fita took him in. His Grandpa and Grandma were a great influence and blessing in his life.

After high school, he joined the United States Navy on March 10, 1951, during the Korean War. He was a Torpedoman 3rd Class, stationed at the Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He served in the Navy for 4 years.

Jose worked at Naval Air Station North Island for over 35 years as a Planner and Estimator for aircraft on the Field Service Team. He had an outstanding work ethic and was very well respected in his field. His job took him all over the world, working with every branch of the military. He was extremely hard working and a great provider for his family.

He was an amazing husband, parent and grandparent. In his later years, he was a doting great-grandpa.

He had a great sense of humor and kept his wife laughing often. His favorite saying even days before he passed was, "Everything's Cool".

Jose was a Patriotic American who loved his country and proudly flew his United States flag on his front porch for all to see.

His favorite restaurants were Cafe La Maze and El Patio. He loved to eat!

Jose belonged to the VFW Don Diego Post 7420 and was a supporting member of the Chula Vista Art Guild. And boy, did he love those Art Guild luncheons!

Physical fitness played a large role in his life. He became an avid weightlifter when he joined the military and worked out regularly throughout his life all the way into his eighties. When he was 50 years old, he discovered his love of running. He ran many races including marathons, half marathons and 10K's. In the majority of his races, he was the first place winner in his age group. He enjoyed all sports, but his favorites were watching the San Diego Padres baseball and Chargers football on television.

He never cared much for animals until his family got a red King Doberman named Hurricane while he was away on a work trip in Antartica. He came home early and was very surprised to walk in and see this big pawed brown puppy prancing toward him to greet him with lots of loving canine kisses. His love for dogs blossomed even more, especially after he got the cutest little black Labrador Retriever puppy named Chance. They were the best of buddies and did everything together. When Chance passed away, Jose's heart was broken as he lost his best friend. After several months had passed, he decided to take a trip to the Animal Shelter. He came home with a big surprise for his wife...a big black Labrador Retriever/Mastiff mix puppy named Jesse who later grew to be 135 pounds. He was a gentle giant and loved being Jose's partner in crime. They were both blessed with 14 years together until Jesse passed away last July.

Jose's faith in God was so strong. He was a firm believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His love for the Lord shone brightly in his actions and attitude. He attended church at Calvary Chapel San Diego and enjoyed going to Bible Study on a regular basis. He loved serving Sunday mornings at his church on the Welcome Team as a greeter with his wife, Alice. Jose especially enjoyed going on mission trips to various places including Peru. His all-time favorite book was The Holy Bible and he enjoyed reading the Daily Bread for his daily devotionals.

Jose passed away February 20, 2024 in the early morning hours, in the comfort of his own home, where he wanted to be with his loving family.

He leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 58 years, Alice Vigil, and his five children: Rudy (Helene) Vigil in Spain, Tina Vigil-Darlin, Jose (Dzuyen) Vigil II, Maria (Levi) Bailey, and Tony Chavez. His ten grandchildren: Christopher (Linnea) Vigil in Sweden, Anthony Hanna, Joseph (Adriana) Chavez, Aubrey Chavez, Alyssa (Andrew) Retz, Nicholas Bailey, Tabitha Vigil, Josiah Vigil, Natalie Chavez and Anthony Michael Chavez. Great-grandchildren: Bella Soria, Kaydin Chavez, Ruby Soria and Tora Vigil

A memorial service for Jose will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. Following the memorial service will be a graveside service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122.