Joe Gloria

It is with heavy hearts, and a tremendous sense of loss, that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, to all who knew him well, Joe Esparza Gloria. Joe was born in Hill, New Mexico, to Barbarito and Paulita Gloria of Leasburg, New Mexico, on March 16, 1933 and passed away at the age of 81 on Sept. 13, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Joe or "Champ" as he was fondly known to those who loved or knew him well, was completely devoted to his loving wife, Martha, and family throughout his adult life. He was raised in the farming community of Leasburg and spent his young life working hard in the fields of various local farmers to help support the family when not attending school. As soon as he became eligible, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably during his enlistment. He was very proud of his service in the Army. In 1955, he started what would be a long and successful career working for the Department of Defense at White Sands Missile Range. During his tenure at WSMR, he received several awards and commendations for outstanding performance. He was recognized with a special award for his work in the development and construction of a wind, sand and rain test stand used in the testing of the Pershing Missile System at WSMR. Over the years as an Engineering Technician I, he had a hand in the testing of several DOD weapon systems to include: Pershing I & II, MLRS, and Copperhead Missile, all of which were utilized by our armed forces, something for which he took great pride in. He retired with distinction after 37 years of service in December 1989. In 2000 he relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife to join his two sons and daughter who relocated to Las Vegas for public service careers. He has a third son who serves in the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In 2001 he began work with LVMPD Fleet Operations Bureau and received an award for dedicated service with the bureau. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and a big supporter of the Catholic Charities. "Champ" will be missed for his familiar smile, his sharp wit, and for always having something to say. No family gathering will ever be the same without him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Martha Gloria; his sister, Maria de Jesus Rojas; a daughter, Margaret G. Tellez and husband, Luis; three sons, Bennie G. Gloria and wife, Darlene, David G. Gloria and wife, Priscilla, Joseph Paul Gloria and wife, Lorena. Other survivors include nine grandchildren, Stephanie, Gabriel, Lauren, Brandon, Dannae, David, Charlie, Joseph and Joshua; five great-grandchildren, Darius, Isabella, Carstyn, Weston and Mackenzie as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Andres, Felipe and Refugio; three sisters, Teresa, Ramona and Juana.

Visitation for Joe will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014, in Baca's Chapel of Prayer, 300 E. Boutz Road where Recitation of the Holy Rosary is scheduled for 7 p.m. Family and friends will join together to celebrate the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, in Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church, 5525 Cristo Rey in Doña Ana with the Rev. Miguel Macaya officiating. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho with military honors accorded by a New Mexico National Guard Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League – El Perro Diablo Detachment.

Serving as casket bearers will be Larry Gloria, Tommy Gloria, Gabriel Tellez, Brandon Tellez, David B. Gloria, and Joseph A. Gloria. Honorary bearers will be Joshua Gloria, George Gloria and Charlie Perez.

Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.