MONTOYA, Joe C.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Saturday, December 27, 2008 Joe C. Montoya was a longtime resident of Flagstaff, loving family member and community leader who died on Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, following a short illness. He was born in Las Vegas, N.M., in 1932 and then came to Flagstaff with his family and has lived here for the past 60 years. He graduated from Flagstaff High School and shortly after enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the Korean conflict. After his service, Mr. Montoya attended the former Arizona State College. Early in his life, Mr. Montoya became involved in many community issues due to his deep concern for equal rights, job employment, the elderly and the poor. He was a pivotal member of the community who helped to initiate several programs, such as the Southside Neighborhood Council, Grassroots Project, and other social services such as aging, energy assistance and transportation. He went on to become the first community services project director in 1973. A lifetime of interest in helping people who have historically been ignored was a way of life for Mr. Montoya. Under his leadership, Coconino Community services received numerous awards from local, state and national associations. He retired from Coconino County Community Services in 1997. He continued to volunteer for Northland Hospice, St. Vincent de Paul, San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, Coordinating Council on Mexican-American Affairs, Toys For Tots and other various organizations. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who supported his entire family as strongly as he did his community. He never ceased to amaze his family with his strong support and generosity, and he helped to build a sound foundation for them beginning with a strong faith in God. Mr. Montoya is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Margaret; daughters Gloria (Albert) and Rosemary; brother Solomon; sisters Jenny, Carmen, Eppie and Fable; and his two grandsons, the pride of his life. He leaves behind many friends, family, comrades and other special people in the community. He was preceded in death by his only son, Joseph. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that anyone wishing to make a donation send it to the Flagstaff Adult Center, Northland Hospice or St. Vincent De Paul. A public visitation will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, at Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, 2545 N. Fourth St. A holy Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, with funeral mass to follow at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Center, 2257 E. Cedar Ave. Interment will follow services at Calvary Cemetery, 201 W. University Ave. Veterans honors will be rendered by members of the Marine Corp League, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Condolences may be sent to the family or to www.Lozanos-FlagstaffMortuary.com. Arrangements are by Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, a Veterans Funeral Care, Honored Provider.