José “Joe” Escotto, 87, of Stockton, California, passed away on December 30, 2018 after a brief illness. He was born at home in Stockton to Jesús and Guadalupe Muñoz Escotto on January 24, 1931. He graduated from Stockton College High in 1949 and from Stockton College in 1951 where he earned his AA. Joe entered the US Army in 1952, serving over 20 years which included the Vietnam War. He then went back to school to earn his BA from Sacramento State.
He then worked for 20 years for San Joaquin County as an accountant. Joe was a 50-year member of the American Legion and went through all the chairs, except that of commander, at the Karl Ross Post, #16. He was an honor guard member and a member of the 40 and 8 Club and VFW.
Joe is survived by his siblings, Sally Lara, Beatrice Miramontes, Rudy, Gabriel, and Lucy Escotto; 15 nieces and nephews; Aunt Cora Moreno, many great nieces and nephews, many cousins, and many friends at the Karl Ross Post. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Mike Escotto, and 2 infant siblings, a nephew, and great-nephew.
Special thanks to Frank and other nurses at Vitas and the staff at Oakmont of Stockton Assisted Living.
Visitation will be held at DeYoung Memorial Chapel on January 7, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation at 11:00 a.m. on January 8, 2019 at 400 W. Rose Street, Stockton, CA 95203. A Committal Service will be held at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery.
