Jose Pacheco Quinones, Sr.

Although Jose Quinones will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his unconditional love and compassion for others, and even his unending desire to serve others, it will be his unwavering faith that will be his lasting legacy. He was passionate about the people and things he believed in, and he worked tirelessly to make the world around him a better place. A loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, Jose was an amazing role model for the family he treasured. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, he created a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The year 1929 was a year to remember as the crash of the stock market sent the United States spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression, but the effects were felt worldwide. The island of Puerto Rico was directly affected as it created widespread unemployment and hunger while numerous banks were no longer able to stay afloat. It was just prior to this historic day in 1929 that Jose was welcomed into the world by his parents, Siprian and Providencia (Pacheco) Quinones on October 11, 1929, in Anasco, Puerto Rico. He had 10 siblings, and when he was five years old he moved to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Jose was a bustle of activity even as a young boy. As a teen he loved music and sports, and he was a gifted athlete as well. In fact, Jose was even a candidate for major league baseball! A firm believer in education, he received a bachelor’s degree in music – a passion that stayed with him his entire life.

Throughout his life Jose was known for his strong work ethic in everything he did. He served in the United States Army during the days of the Korean Conflict. Jose moved up the ranks there as he earned the rank of corporal. He was wounded twice and received a Purple Heart Cluster related to his involvement in Pork Chop Hill. A wonderful provider, Jose worked full-time at American Motors in Kenosha, and he also owned and operated a part-time electronics repair shop from a workshop that he built in his basement. Even though he put many hours in at work, Jose always found time for his music – whether it was playing in a group or strumming his guitar at home entertaining his family.

There was nothing that was more near and dear to Jose’s heart than his loved ones. He was blessed not only to be a father to six children, Bryan, Maria, Cora, Jose Jr., Serena, and Rita, but also treated his niece, Raqueli and his godson, William as his children as well. Jose was an amazing father who was not only humorous and wise, but he was also generous beyond compare. Later on he became a grandfather to the grandchildren he treasured. Although his parents remained in Puerto Rico, Jose was able to make annual trips back to see them as well as other family members.

Over the years Jose was passionate about the things he believed in. One of his greatest passions was the equal rights movement for the Latino community. Jose was instrumental in the beginning development of the United Community Center, and he also worked in Latino programming at PBS Channel 10 Television. A man of faith, he was on the church committee. When it came to his interests, Jose he was a Packers fan as well as a Brewers fan who often took his son, Jose, to the twilight double hitters. When relaxing, his favorite television station was Telemundo.

All who knew Jose Quinones would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was tenacious, fun-loving, and even strong willed at times, but it was only because he was so deeply devoted to his passions. Described as wise and generous, Jose was an inspiration to everyone he knew. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, he was a humble man whose focus was on giving to those around him. Life will never be the same without Jose here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

Jose Quinones, Sr. Born to Eternal Life on January 10, 2017. Jose’s family includes his children, Bryan (Rosa) Quinones, Maria Quinones, Cora Quinones, Jose (Yolanda) Quinones Jr., Serena (Dwayne) Williams, Rita Quinones, Raquel Maldonado and William Echecvarria ; grandchildren, Tony, Dalaina, Sarah, Aja, Jose III, Jalana, Larry, Kalyn, Lemmon IV, Deja, and Andre; 8 additional grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many other relatives and dear friends. Visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Church, 1445 N. 24th St. on Saturday, January 14, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.