Joe LeGarreta

Joe Gabriel LeGarreta passed away February 26, 2023 at the age of 87. Joe was born in Fresno California on March 24, 1935 to his parents, Jose Garcia Legarreta and Ventura De la Rosa. He is preceded in death by his brothers Ray and Frank, his son Anthoney, and his beloved wife Patricia (Raya) Legarreta. Joe is survived by his sisters, Justina, Mary, Romana as well as his children Richard, Allen, Gabriel, Steve, Victor and Genevieve and grandchildren.

Joe attended grade schools in both Hanford and Selma California. He graduated from Hanford Union High School in June 1954. After graduating high school Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country honorably for 8 years from 1954 to 1962. He served as an airplane jet mechanic for fighter jets. After he fulfilled his duty to the Air Force, Joe continued to pursue his passion for working on military planes. He moved to Los Angeles and began his 40 year career as a machinist at Lockheed Martin in Burbank, as part of the legendary Skunk Works division.

Joe married his wife Patricia in 1963. They remained married until her death in July 1989. He never remarried and remained loyal after death. Joe had 3 biological children but raised 7 kids.

Joe was an incredible story teller with an endless supply of fascinating tales about his life including some slightly larger than life ones. He was very well traveled and got to see a lot of the world through his service in the US Air Force. Joe was also a martial arts enthusiast, who studied wrestling and Kempo. Joe had a huge heart, but at the same time he was also a "tough guy". He shared many stories about being picked on for his height (at 5'5"), but according to him he's never lost a fight. He also claimed to have invented the recumbent bicycle among other things (though we've never been able to verify any of them).

Joe was also proud of his Basque heritage. While traveling abroad during his service he met a Basque man who told him that his last name is Basque for "the warrior" and also that he was spelling it wrong and to capitalize the "G" in his name. He was extremely proud of his name and the meaning, he began to spell it as "LeGarreta" with a capital "G" ever since (along with half of the family). So LeGarretas who spell it this way have him to thank for that. And to those who question him, I say this: A name receives its meaning not from traditional translations, a name it receives its meaning from the people who wear it and the legacy that they leave behind. Rest in peace Joe LeGarreta...the man, the myth, the legend and the warrior.

Services for Joe LeGarreta will be held on his birthday, Friday March 24th from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at Guerra & Gutierrez JT Oswald Mortuary - 1001 N Maclay Ave, San Fernando, CA 91403. Private burial at Resurrection Cemetery to follow at a later date.