Joseph "Alex" Quinones

        Joseph "Alex" Quinones died Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital in San Andreas. He was 83.

 

    A San Andreas native, Joe was born December 26, 1928 to Mexican immigrants, Luciano and Angelita Quinones. Joe spent his childhood living in a "camp" out on Poole Station Road when his father took a job with Calaveras Cement Co. in the 1930's.  The family lived at the "camp" for ten years, moving when Joe was 13 years old to Cement City in San Andreas.

     Attending Calaveras High School, Joe was an all-around athlete, excelling in sports such as basketball, football, baseball and track.  He played on four championship teams; 1 football, 2 track, and 1 basketball.

     Upon graduation, Joe enlisted in the Army in 1948, serving with the 191st Field Artillery Battalion located at Camp Roberts, California. He served three years in the Korean War with the Second Infantry Division, spending one year in foreign duty.

    Joe Quinones will be remembered for his many talents and his selfless desire to help others; to the community for his painting and handy-man skills and services, and to others for his active following of college and professional sports, his joy in talking to everyone and making jokes, and his love and involvement in the lives of his grandchildren. 

     Joe enjoyed being outdoors; he was an avid gardener, was always walking somewhere and had a passion for animals.

    He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Quinones Osumi; son, Donald Sanders; brothers, Raul Quinones, and Manuel Quinones; sisters, Consuelo Quinones and Eva Angelina Quinones; grandchildren, Rebecca Osumi, Keibo Osumi, Amika Osumi, Christ Osumi, Dawn Sanders and Aaron Sanders; and many more family and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his father Luciano Quinones, and mother Angelita Quinones.

     A Vigil will be held at 7 PM on Friday, June 22, 2012 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 162 Church Hill Road in San Andreas.

   The Mass will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at the church with graveside services to immediately follow at St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM at the VFW Post 2600 at 156 W. Saint Charles Street.  San Andreas Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.