Joseph Winston Montanez

Joseph Winston Montanez, passed away on September 21st, 2024, at the age of 80 years old. He passed in his home surrounded by family and friends. Joseph "Jose" Montanez was born in New Mexico on August 4th, 1944 to his parents: Vera Marie Cantu and Artemio "Ace" Cantu, owners of El Sombrero Cafe in Visalia. Joseph married Mary Montanez and resided in Visalia for 52 years. In early life he was Head Chef at El Sombrero Cafe, cooking Mexican cuisine from the menu created and inspired by his mother's home recipes. Later he worked as a Truck Driver for Visalia Trailer Sales, he retired from that company after 30+ years of service work in the manufactured homes industry. Joseph "Jose" Montanez was a loving husband to Mary Montanez, brother to Jimmy Leos, and father to George Montanez, Vera Marie Montanez, and Christina Montanez. Joseph "Jose" Montanez was lovingly referred to as "Hubba" by his nine, surviving grandchildren: Angelique Bowser, Joseph Salazar, Jessica Castillo, Anthony Salazar, Lucero Castillo, Samantha Castillo, Marissa Salazar, Jazmin Castillo, and Gabriella Castillo and eight great-grandchildren. Joseph "Jose" Montanez will be forever remembered by all relatives and dear friends as "Uncle Jody" who was funny and generous with jokes. Funeral Services, in memory of Joseph "Jose" Montanez are on Sunday, October 6th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel: 127 East Caldwell Avenue. Presiding as officiating pastor is Revered Doctor Rogelio Ovalle. Graveside services will be held at the Visalia Cemetery at 10:30 am, followed by a celebration of life luncheon at the Visalia Veterans Memorial Building, 609 West Center Avenue at 1:00 pm - all family and friends are welcomed to attend the pot-luck style event. Memorial Donations, in memoriam: Joseph "Jose" Montanez may be made to The Nehemiah Project International, a non-profit, after-school program that serves the social, spiritual and academic needs of at-risk youth in North Visalia: send donations to 4138 West Sweet Ct., Visalia, Ca. 93291. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Joseph Winston Montanez

August 4, 1944 - September 21, 2024