Joe Nunez and daughter Joanne Fore on the occasion of his 100th birthday celebration.

On Saturday, August 21, Joe Nunez celebrated his 100th birthday with a surprise party at the Fillmore Convalescent Center. He was greeted with a lively rendition of Las Mananitas by over 50 friends and family members, many of whom he had not seen in many years. A wonderful variety of foods was prepared by niece Terry Vasquez and Matthias Gonzalez, Activities Director for the Convalescent Center and a grand-nephew of Joe's. A trio of delicious birthday cakes, provided by nieces Evelyn Aguirre, Lydia Leon & Marge Aguirre, was also enjoyed by all.

Joe was born on August 24, 1910, in El Monte, CA. He was the third child of 10, and oldest boy born to Ramon & Ysabel Nunez. As a small child, he moved with his family to Angel's Camp, CA, and then, when he was about 7 years old, to Piru. He clearly remembers much of the history of Piru, of a time when there was a food co-op, skating rink, and theater, among many other businesses. In 1937, he married Nettie Ramirez, who had been his next-door neighbor growing up. In 1952, their only child, Joanne Elaine, was born. The family moved to Fillmore in 1955, where he continued to work for Paul Goodenough and Goodenough Ranches for a total of 58 years. Upon his retirement in 1987, Joe & Nettie moved back to Piru. Nettie passed away in 1993, at which time Joanne, her husband Wayne Fore & their children Brianna & Chad moved to Piru with Joe, and they were able to provide support for one another.

Joe's family would like to thank the staff of the Fillmore Convalescent Hospital for their help and cooperation in making this celebration possible, and for their on-going care.