TAPIA, Joseph B.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Tuesday, July 8, 2003 Joseph B. Tapia, 82, a World War II veteran, died peacefully in his home on the evening of July 4, 2003. Joseph was born in Hidalgo del Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico on March 19, 1921. At the age of 2, he emigrated with his family from Mexico to Phoenix, Arizona, where he made his home ever since. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1943. In 1938, while standing in line at the Fox Theatre, he met the love of his life, Frances. They courted for 3 years and were married in 1941. During WW II, Joseph volunteered for the U.S. Army and saw intense combat in the jungles of the Philippines. After the war, he worked a variety of jobs to provide for his growing family. In 1952, he began a career with the 3666th Ord. M.M. Co. of the Arizona Army National Guard and had achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 when he retired in 1977. He was a member of the Vesta Club, the Knights of Columbus (3rd Degree), and "The Dinosaurs" (retired Nat'l Guard); in addition he was involved in the Cursillo Movement in 1952. Joseph was an expert mechanic and was able to completely restore old cars inside and out. He had a steel-trap memory and could recall names, places, and dates with ease. He loved a variety of music, classic movies, and had a voracious interest in current events and politics. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially football and boxing, and in his later years Diamondback baseball. He was very generous, sensitive to details, and he had a one-of-a-kind cynical wit that will be missed by all that knew him. Most of all, he enjoyed big holiday get-togethers with his extended family. Joseph B. Tapia is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances, 5 children, Ann Fenner, Josephine Brunell Dykes, Francie Rogers, Carolyn Daniels, and Joseph Tapia; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren. He joins his sixth child and youngest daughter, Catherine Rose, who passed away last year. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 9, 2003 from 5-7 P.M. with Rosary Services at 7:00 P.M. at Paradise Chapel Funeral Home 3934 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. A memorial mass will be Friday July 11, 2003 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church 2312 E. Campbell Ave. in Phoenix. Interment will take place following the mass at St. Francis Cemetery 5005 E. Oak St. in Phoenix.