Joseph E. Valdes

Joseph E. Valdes, 92 of Santa Fe, New Mexico passed away November 20, 2022. He was born to Juan B. and Dora P. Valdes of Santa Fe, graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1948.

Joseph served with the US Army in Germany where he reconnected his mother with her Swiss/Italian side of the family, then returned to Santa Fe in the 1950’s. In 1954 he married Patricia J. Annon. 

He was president of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council, a founder of Los Caballeros de Vargas, and he organized and directed various project for the City of Santa Fe.   He was a member of the City Planning Commission when Santa Fe adopted its Historic Styles Ordinance in 1957.   Elected to the City Council and later left that position when he became Mayor of Santa Fe in 1972 serving through 1976.  He was a self employed business man, owner of Valdes Paint and Glass later evolving into Santa Fe Antiques and becoming the official greeter.

Joseph had many names, Joe of course and Dody which is the nickname he received from an Aunt as a child.

Joseph started collecting classic cars in the mid 1970s, his favorite was his 1959 Ford Fairlane Hardtop Retractable.  He proudly displayed his car at the annual vintage car club show on the Santa Fe Plaza for decades.  If you asked him what color his car is he would reply with “Tortilla White and Chili Red!”  In 1997 he married Bernadette Pesenti-Valdes.   They were active and social throughout their 25 years marriage. 

He was a faithful member of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi where he served as Minister of Hospitality.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents Juan B. and Dora P. Valdes, first wife Patricia J. Valdes, Brother John G. Valdes (Eppie), Brother Lawrence Valdes (Wilma), Brother Gene Valdes (Clara) and many family members.

He is survived by his Second Wife Bernadette Pesenti-Valdes, Daughter Janet M. Valdes, Son John J. Valdes (Everet R. Apodaca) and many family and friends. The services are as follows: A recitation of the Rosary will be held at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on December 13, 2022 at 10:30am.  The mass of a Christian Burial will following the rosary.  The internment will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00pm.  A reception is not scheduled after the burial.  A Celebration of Life for Joseph E. Valdes will be announced at a later date. 

Pallbearers:

Los Caballeros de Vargas

Honorary Pallbearers

Bill Valdes

Tito Karlson

Mark Valdes

Tim Valdes

Alice McKernan

Anthony Trujillo

And special friends too many to list.