Joseph Guarino Vieyra

On Saturday, February 24th our country lost another member of the Greatest Generation.  Joseph Guarino Vieyra left us to be with his beloved wife Esther.

Joseph G Vieyra was born to Guarino and Natalie Vieyra on August 3rd, 1924 in Los Angeles, CA.   He is survived by brother, Michael, two sisters, Jeanie and Janet.  As with most young men of that time, after the Pearl Harbor attack he enlisted. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp, served with honor fighting in the South Pacific.

Returning home he married the love of his life, Esther Wilson on September 6th, 1947.  They had attended the same high school. Joe and Esther started their family with the birth of their first son, Mark in 1950. Unfortunately 2 months later on a Sunday, Joe was greeted by a pair of U.S. Marine M.P.s at his home, escorted to Camp Pendleton and reactivated.  He was sent to fight in the Korean War.  Surviving a second call to duty he returned home once again.

Joe and Esther had their second son Joel in 1952. Expanding the family further they welcomed Rene (the little princess) in 1958 and finally, Lisa in 1963.  They lived in Northridge, California for nearly 30 years. The family enjoyed camping and fishing at areas like Big Bear Lake, Big Pine, Ensenada, Pismo Beach and other places.  Moving to Atascadero, California upon Joe’s retirement where they lived until 1996 when they moved to Victor, Montana.  Joe and Esther became a well known and loved couple in the Bitterroot Valley. They spent their time camping and fishing with family, and their club, The Freewheelers.  They became Grandparents to Doug, Christine, Sasha, Emalee and Esther. And beloved Great Grandparents to their children as well.  Joe and Esther had a kind heart and a welcoming spirit. They danced at all of their kids weddings. They always had room at the table for those in need and room in their heart for us all. They will be dearly missed.  I’m sure they are dancing together once again!

SEMPER FI

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 6th at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton with Military Honors presented by the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps League – Bitterroot Detachment and the Hamilton American Legion.  He will be laid to rest next to his wife at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com