Joe Luna

1946 - 2007

Joe Luna, former public information officer for the Ventura County Fire Department, was called to God's side on St. Joseph's Day, March 19, 2007, while surrounded by his loving family. Like the brave firefighter he was, he battled against the cancer ravaging his body for many months, but God's will and plan called for Joe to join him in heaven sooner rather than later.

Having joined the Fire Department in 1974, Joe worked at many fire stations in the Ventura County area. His strong work ethic, tireless dedication and commitment to excellence, combined with his strong yet humble presence, earned him the title of the Fire Department's chief spokesman, public information officer, from 2003 until his retirement just a year ago, April 2006. Joe touched the community in many ways, one of which was spearheading and leading the department's Spark of Love holiday toy drive each Christmas. Joe also worked hard to ensure that important community information was disseminated in English and Spanish, understanding the need for strong communication with our community at large. It should be said though, that Joe never considered himself special, a hero or anyone out of the ordinary. In fact, if you asked him, he was merely doing his job, nothing more.

Joe was born in Oxnard on April 22, 1946, to Maria Mejia Luna and Luis Luna. He was the eighth of 12 children. He attended Oxnard High School, where he played football and briefly attempted the tuba. After graduation in June 1964, he joined the United States armed forces and proudly served his country as a sergeant in the Korean conflict while corresponding by mail with his girlfriend, Terri Beltran.

When he returned to Oxnard, he married Terri, the love of his life, on July 12, 1969, as well as her entire Castellanos Beltran family. Joe often said, with pride, that when he married Terri, he also married each of her five brothers. Joe revered and respected the strong role models of marriage and life in his in-laws, Jess and Mira Beltran, and they proudly called him their son. With the love and support of their families, Joe and Terri created a family of their own with their three children, Joseph, Eric and Jessica. While caring for his family, Joe worked several years for 3M as a production technician before finding his niche with the Ventura County Fire Department. Joe proudly and truly represented the integrity and honor associated with firefighters across our nation. In addition to his roles of firefighter, husband and father, Joe also demonstrated his strong faith by serving his church, along with his wife, Terri, as a Eucharistic minister for many years.

Fortunately, Joe lived life to the fullest and did not wait for retirement to celebrate each day. During his children's youth, Joe watched his sons play football, basketball, soccer and baseball and his daughter play soccer and basketball. Joe also enjoyed going dirt bike riding with his family, as well as camping at Lake Lopez and listening to music. Joe and Terri celebrated many milestones with their children: Jessica received her certified nursing assistant certification in 2002, Joseph joined the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 2002, and Eric moved up the ranks with Federal Express. Making the most of each day, each minute, Joe and Terri spent a lot of time with their four grandchildren, Raquel, Melissa, Jaden and Joaquin; traveled the globe extensively; enjoyed wine tasting with friends; and danced like teenagers at every gathering, whether there was music or not. While one of his highlights would definitely include his audience with the pope in Rome, Joe also was content beginning and finishing many home projects.

Joe was greeted in heaven by his parents, Maria and Luis Luna; brother Xavier Luna; and sisters Margarita Luna, Isabel Luna, Vera De Soto and Rosie Bermudez Aguilera.

Joe leaves behind a large family and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 37 1/2 years, Terri; sons, Joseph Luna (wife Marie) of Oxnard and Eric Luna (wife Tasha) of Elk Grove, Calif.; daughter, Jessica Luna of Oxnard; grandchildren, Raquel, Melissa, Jaden and Joaquin; sisters Jennie Brown and Martha Granados, both of Oxnard, and Maria Luna (husband Justo) of Somis; brothers Lupe Aguilera of Corona, Bob Aguilera (wife Sallie) and Jim Luna (wife Terry), all of Oxnard; mother and father-in-law, Jess and Mira Beltran of Oxnard; brothers-in-law, Bob (wife Pat), Danny (wife Denise), Carlos (wife Bijou), Albert (wife Michelle) and Jaime (wife Leticia); numerous nephews and nieces; and many more friends and family members.

In June, we celebrated Joe's retirement and his first-ever birthday party. It was a glorious celebration and we are so happy we were able to share that special day with his family. He will be truly missed but remains in our hearts forever. We are comforted to know he will now be the "HIO" (heaven information officer) and will have everything in order when we are able to be with him again.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 25, in the chapel of Garcia Mortuary. The vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at St. Anthony's Church, 2511 South C St., Oxnard. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon Monday, March 26, at Santa Clara Church, 323 South E St., Oxnard. Interment will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 North H St., Oxnard. And to quote Joe, "Don't be late."

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Garcia Mortuary, 629 South A St., Oxnard. For further information, please call 805-486-9148.