Armando Lagunas

1957 - 2016

Armando Lagunas, Jr.

May 17, 1957 - December 18, 2016

Armando Lagunas, Jr. passed away on Dec. 18, 2016 in San Jose surrounded by his family.

Armando is preceded in death by his father, Armando, and is survived by his son, Miles; his partner, Teri Simmons; his mother, Louise; his sister, Rosemarie (husband, Ken); his brothers, Carlos and Matthew (wife, Dolin).

Born in San Francisco on May 17, 1957, Armando grew up in Daly City and then later, in Santa Clara. He became a competitive long distance runner while attending Wilcox High School and West Valley College. He graduated in 1980 from San Jose State University with a degree in Behavioral Science. Armando resided in Sunnyvale at the time of his death.

Known as "Joe Salvatore", Armando was part of the San Jose music scene in the 80's and early 90's introducing local bands in the clubs. He also wrote poetry and sometimes read it before an audience. Later, he acted in community theater. For his day job, he worked as a contractor installing window coverings and was also a substitute teacher. Armando loved crabbing, cooking, walking, tennis, and riding his motorcycle.

A strong advocate for the working man and for living a simple life, Armando won the Silver Pen Award for a letter published on Labor Day 2000 in the San Jose Mercury News. In recent years, he also had numerous Letters to the Editor published in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Armando loved talking to everyone he met and always left them laughing. Family and friends will always remember him as a wonderful father who adored his son, full of witty stories and hilarious characterizations, passionate enthusiasm, unlimited creativity, and an absolute tenacity for living. He remains simply unforgettable.

A funeral mass will be held on January 26 at 10 AM at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in Santa Clara, CA and will be followed by a tribute honoring Armando's life.