Joe Tena Barrales

Joe Tena Barrales 72, of Fredericksburg passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Mary Washington Hospital. Now in the arms of Jesus, he will always be loved by his wife of 48 years, Marge; his two sisters, Yollie Luna and husband Jose of Tucson, AZ and Lupe Marquez and husband Eddie of Salt Lake City, UT; six brothers, Raul, Carlos, David, Francisco, Ruben, and Jorge Barrales of Tucson, AZ; two uncles, Ricardo and Salomon Tena; two brothers-in-law, Paul Kienow and wife, Penny and Ken Kienow, and wife Ellie; and a sister-in-law, Karen Pinkstaff and husband Tom; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria; father, Jose; and nana, Manuela. Joe was a most special and unusual man. He led an extraordinary life and made the most of every opportunity, both challenges and blessings. He was born March 19, 1941, in Nogales, in the Mexican state of Sonora, into poverty, living in a house that did not even have indoor plumbing. His mother was born in Jerome, Arizona, but had returned to Mexico several years before his birth. Joe came to the U.S. at age eight, but was put in the kindergarten class at school because he spoke no English. By year's end he was ready for second grade. He grew up in the mining town of Bagdad, Arizona, and was the first of his family to graduate from high school. He surprised them all by wanting to go to college, too, and spent his holidays and summers working in the Bagdad Copper Mine, saving his money and tending his dream. When he turned 18 he proudly took steps to become an American citizen. In 1960 his uncle drove him to the highway, carrying a small suitcase, where he boarded a Greyhound Bus and headed for the University of Arizona in Tucson. Joe had some small scholarships, but none were specifically aimed at helping Hispanic students. He lived carefully and worked every vacation and summer in the copper mine to fund his education. When he met his wife during his senior year in 1964, he was living on candy bars. His persistence paid off, and he earned two bachelor's degrees, one in international relations and one in Spanish literature, and a master's degree in languages. Joe worked many years as a civilian at the Army Intelligence Command at Fort Belvoir. In his spare time he was a talented artist and award-winning potter. Joe was very proud of his Mexican heritage, and volunteered as a translator in the emergency room at Mary Washington Hospital and also taught classes for English as a Second Language in Spanish. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Spotsylvania County. Joe devoted 25 years' service in the U.S. Navy, retiring from the Navy Reserve as a Lt. Commander. He was an intelligence specialist and linguist, and spoke five languages. The only time his wife saw him weep was at a Memorial Day Church Service when the Navy hymn was played. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, taking his place among other veterans. The arc of Joe's life, from poverty to success, is testament to his belief that if a person wants something and is willing to work and persist, anything is possible. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY (North Chapel) 204 S. Stone Ave., with a Service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made in his name to The Wounded Warrior Project. "Mi Querida" Family and friends may express their condolences by visiting www.carrillostucsonmortuary.com