Joseph Senacio Manzanares, 67, passed away peacefully on Thursday September 6, 2018 surrounded by loved ones.
Joe was born at home February 1, 1951 in Magna, Utah to Senacio and Gertrude Manzanares. He was the third of nine siblings. From a young age Joe's love for fast cars and motorcycles was apparent. From tinkering with big blocks and transmissions to giving cars more horsepower, he was constantly deep in to a project. Another great love was being by the river with a fishing pole in hand. Tying flies, digging for worms and falling into the river were weekly occurrences. When he was not on a riverbank he was listening to George Strait, cheering on the Boston Red Sox or watching classic movies. Joe was also known for his sense of humor, and his ability to debate and hold intellectual conversations.
Joe was an intelligent man and had true passion for learning. His room was full of chemistry books, medical encyclopedias, Tom Clancy novels and Chilton Automotive repair manuals. He was able to share his love of learning through teaching GED classes.
Joe was a fighter and a survivor. From a young age he had many illnesses. Due to one illness he developed rheumatic fever which caused damage to his heart. He was told he wouldn't live past his late 20's. However, after two open heart surgeries, he proved the doctors wrong.
Joe married Eileen Phy, and in their union of 16 years, they were blessed with 3 children.
Joe is preceded in death by his father Senacio Manzanares.
He is survived by his children, Tara (Ryan) Lawrence, Noel (Amanda) Manzanares and Brian Manzanares. Grandchildren; Colton, Taylor, Dylan, Gracie, Madelyn, Brinley and Camden. Mother, Gertrude Manzanares. Brothers; Gabriel (Josie) Manzanares, Benny, Nick and Trini. Sisters; Gloria (Jake) Ortega, Debra (Jim) Arnold, Vicki (Peter) Denetclaw and Jacqueline(Rick) Allcorn. Goddaughter Brandy Pitcher and 16 nieces and nephews.
He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by many.
Services are under the direction of Cope Memorial Chapel, Farmington, N.M.