Joseph Ledesma

Joseph Ledesma (Joe) Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 29, 2008, at the age of 91. Joseph is survived by his wife Evelyn of over 68 years and his two daughters and their spouses; Jo Ann Vega (Jerry) and Judith Voecks (Gary). He is also survived by his grandchildren Jeffrey Vega, Lisa Crouch and Tara Eastwood and one great grandchild, Nathan Eastwood. Joseph was born on April 18, 1917 in Ewa Mill, Hawaii to Frank and Mary Ledesma and has two surviving brothers, Frank and Jerry Ledesma. Joseph retired from the Santa Clara Police Department as a Lieutenant in 1976 after twenty-eight years of service. He was the seventh police officer hired by the City of Santa Clara in 1948 and was the first Juvenile Police Officer in the Department in 1954. He also worked with the Juvenile Advisory Council for twenty-two years. Upon his retirement he devoted his time to travel, leisure and his family. The words that depicted him best are gentle, kind, loving and compassionate and he will surely be missed by all who knew him. Rosary will be held on Thurs., Sept. 4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara, Ca. with a funeral Mass on Friday, September 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clare's Catholic Church with interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.