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Joseph Kevin Valencia, 51, a resident of Albuquerque since 1952, died Thursday, July 18, 2002. He is survived by his sisters, Maureen Martinez and husband, Donald of Albuquerque and Sheila Montano and husband, Joe of Rio Rancho; brother, Michael Valencia and best friend, Donna White, both of Albuquerque; nephews and nieces, Mike and Monica Martinez, Maureen, Joseph and Brian Montano, and Thomas and Michael Valencia; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clemente and Margaret Valencia; and brother, Brian. Joseph graduated from Del Norte High School in 1969. He attended the University of New Mexico, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1974 and completed the masters program in Spanish. Joseph worked with Career Services for the Handicapped from 1982 to 1989 and with the Social Security Administration from 1989 until his retirement in 1997. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and loved all music, especially Jazz. Joseph also enjoyed playing chess, fishing and working on his computer, and was a student of history and politics. One of his favorite pastimes was strolling through the rose garden at Manzano del Sol, reveling in God's beauty and wonder. He defied the odds throughout his life, and never faced a challenge he couldn't overcome. His courage, strength and determination were an inspiration to all who knew him. He fought the good fight. He was deeply loved and will be missed by his family, friends and acquaintances. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Lovelace Medical Center and Manzano del Sol. Rosary will be recited Tuesday, July 23, 2002, at 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, July 24, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Claremont and Phoenix NE. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bill Thorp, Phil Montoya, Felipe Lopez, Arthur Sandoval, Sal Baragiola, Terry Clements, and Jeff Olson. Honorary pallbearers will be Lucinda Sanchez, Roseanne McNeilly, Liz Lujan, Dorothea Lippke Stone, Luana Sharpe-Mansfield, Mary Vineyard, and Becky Martinez. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. until time of rosary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Joe's memory to The American Kidney Fund, PO Box 1837, Merrifield, VA 22116-9473.
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