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Obituary for Joseph "Joe" Moreno
Joseph “Joe” Moreno February 19, 1927-August 20, 2021
Joe “Papa” Moreno, 94, was born in Vacaville in his childhood home on Kendall St. to parents Augustine and Dolores Moreno, who immigrated from Spain to Vacaville in 1911.
Joe graduated from Vacaville High School in 1945 and soon after served a short time in the US Army before being honorably discharged at the end of the war. Joe lived in Vacaville his entire life. Joe held many different jobs including working at the old California Market on Main St., co-owner of Star Bakery with his younger brother Tony, manager of the Nut Tree gift shop, running the old Monte Vista Motel before finally retiring from the Travis Unified School District in the early 80’s.
In 1950, Joe met the love of his life, Carmen. The two married in 1952 and went on to have two sons, Keith and Kevin. Joe loved to take his family on vacations. Joe and Carmen took many trips to Europe, with Spain being their favorite. Joe was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to take his family camping to Donner Lake and French Meadows where he would compete with his sons on who could catch the most fish. Joe loved sports and was a die-hard San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan. Joe made good on his promise to his sons and took his family to the 49ers first Super Bowl in 1982. When Joe wasn’t with his family, you could always find him helping out his friends with various projects or fishing with his best friend, Eddie Fernandez. Joe officially became “Papa” in 1981 with the birth of his first grandchild Carlie and later Matt and Nathan. Joe spent his golden years being the best Papa to his grandchildren and creating many memories with them. Santa Cruz, Candlestick Park and French Meadows were some of his favorite places to spend time with them.
In his later years, Joe worked side by side with his son Kevin at his restaurant, Wren’s Café where he held the title of “toastmaster.” Joe spent every morning at his favorite table at Wren’s working on his crossword puzzles and visiting with friends. On Friday nights you could always find Joe at Pietro’s #1 enjoying a meal and drinks with family and friends.
Joe loved everyone but there was nobody he loved more in this world than his Carmen. When she was diagnosed with dementia he made good on his vows to her and never left her side. He faithfully took care of her until her passing in 2015. Joe was so full of wisdom, pride, tradition and values and was loved by all. After a short illness, Joe passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family. He is reunited with his Carmen and son Keith in heaven.
Joe is survived by his loving son Kevin (Georgia) Moreno; devoted grandchildren Carlie (Stephanie) Moreno, Matt (Kelly) Moreno, Nathan (Kristy) Moreno; and great granddaughter Taytum. Joe is also survived by his brother Tony (LaJuana) Moreno; Daughter-in-law Diane Moreno-Bouvia; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, September 1st from 5-8pm at McCune Garden Chapel. Mass will be held on Thursday, September 2nd at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the Moreno family asks that you consider a donation to Joe’s favorite charity, The Stan Foster Memorial Golf Tournament: PO Box 5182 Vacaville, CA 95696-5182
