Obituary of Joe J Sotelo

Joe J. Sotelo of Glendale, AZ died on 8/5/2022 at 80 years of age. He is preceded in death by his parents, 6 siblings and 2 sons: Joseph and Richard. 

Born in Safford, AZ to Pablo and Mariana Sotelo on 3/19/1942, he was the 8th of 11 children. Being the son of seasonal workers, as a young boy he picked fruits, vegetables and cotton with his siblings. At the age of 18 he joined the Navy and served for 6 years from 1960 to 1966.

September 30, 1961 he married the love of his life, Lucy Ruelas and they had 5 boys: Joseph, Richard, David, Michael and Ricardo. 

In 1969 he studied the Bible, dedicated himself to Jehovah and symbolized his dedication by means of baptism on 11/23/1969. He loved to talk about his God, Jehovah. He was a very zealous Christian minister and loved helping others learn Bible truths. Joe served as a Christian elder for 50 years in several congregations. Although he appeared to be a very serious person, he was different once you got to know him. You realized he was a very good listener, sympathetic to the needs of others, and always ready to lend a helping hand. 

He was a stern but loving father. As the boys began to have families of their own, he enjoyed getting the family together for meals and camping trips. He was a very loving grandfather to his 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. 

Words cannot describe how greatly he will be missed. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the many friends and family who showed their loving support during the last days of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lucy; his daughter-in-law, Yolanda; 3 sons: David (Stephanie), Michael (Stephne) and Ricardo; his grandchildren: Linda (Chris), Jacqueline, Alyssia, Yvette (Matthew), Xavier (Christina), Andrew, Richard, Victoria, Michael Jr, Nicolas and Jayden; his great-grandchildren: Aiden, Abigail, Elijah, Madison, Aureus and Sadie; 4 siblings: Robert, Terry, Mary and Simon; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

We look forward to being reunited with him as well as many other loved ones soon. This will be by means of the resurrection to a paradise on earth. (John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:3-5; Psalms 37:11, 29)

Services will be held virtually via Zoom on Saturday 8/27/2022 @ 2:00 p.m. (MST)

Meeting ID: 999 650 6583

Passcode: 20220304