Joseph “Pep” Valverde 91, entered into rest on June 6, 2011 in Manteca, California. He was born on January 20, 1920 in Manteca, California, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Manuel and Natividad Valverde. Pep joins his parents in heaven as well as his son Joseph Valverde, brother Angelo Valverde and his girlfriend of 30 years, Marge McNieese.
Mr. Valverde is survived by his sons; Dennis Valverde and his wife Kim of Collegeville, California, and Guy Valverde and his wife Casey of Arnold, California. Pep was blessed with four grandchildren; Logan Valverde, Natalie Valverde, Zachary Boatright, and Carrie Valverde. In addition Pep has three surviving brothers; Paul Valverde of Manteca, Manuel Valverde of Manteca and Sal Valverde of Arizona.
Pep was born and raised in Manteca. He graduated from Manteca High School in 1940. He proudly served his country through the United States Navy serving in WWII. During his Navy years, Pep served 2500 hours on air ships (blimps), which included flying out of Moffett Field, California. After the military, Pep was a Carpenter by trade co-owning Valverde Brothers Construction Company for over 45 years. During Pep’s younger years he was an avid fast pitch softball and baseball player; playing for various traveling teams in Manteca. He also enjoyed being a spectator cheering on his California, teams the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants. Pep was a long-time supporter of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church enjoying their many community activities. For many years Pep looked forward in traveling to Canada for their annual fishing trip to Telegraph Cove. Socializing for Pep was his hobby; he loved to Dance and was a member of the Delta Jazz Club. He enjoyed traveling to local casinos with friends, hoping to hit the “big one.” Pep, his bothers and a few others were known to follow and attend most of the Manteca High sporting events where they had a special designated seating section just for them. Pep was known as a lady’s man who loved to joke and carry-on. He was a storyteller as he reminisced about old Manteca and how proud he was of his community. Pep will be remembered for his great personality and his love for life. He will be missed.
Mr. Valverde’s services are being held under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9th, 2011 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm held at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home. A Prayer service will be held on Friday, June 10th, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. also held at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home 290 N. Union Rd. Manteca. He will be laid to rest at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery – Escalon. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the American Legion Post 249 - 220 E. Yosemite Ave. Manteca, Ca 95336. An on-line guest book is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com (search obituaries / Joseph “Pep” Valverde)
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, June 8, 2011