Joseph Seskey, Jr.

It is with a heavy heart and tear stained eyes we share with our friends and community the passing of a best friend, husband, dad, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend- Joe.

Joseph H. Seskey Jr. was born October 22, 1945 in Roswell, New Mexico to Joseph H. Seskey Sr. and Ida (Langenegger) Seskey at Saint Mary's Hospital. He was a childhood resident of Dexter, New Mexico, graduating from Dexter High School in 1963. He was a player on the first Dexter Demons football team. He would laughingly say he played end, guard and tackle: sat on the end of the bench, guarded the water bucket and tackled anyone that got near it.
Following high school graduation, he attended New Mexico State University. He served in the New Mexico Army National Guard. He graduated Officer Candidate School in Santa Fe, New Mexico and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. It was there his future bother in law, Dennis, told Joe about his sister, Peggy. And that was the beginning of a love story expanding over five decades. After three dates, he knew he had found his true love and his best friend. Joe married Peggy Johnson on August 27, 1966. Joe and Peggy recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
After the death of his father, he ran the family business Pecos Valley Milling Company in Dexter, New Mexico. Following the sale of the mill, Joe returned to New Mexico State University and received his degree in Accounting.
Joe was employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 28 years, last stationed in Washington, D.C. Upon retirement, he returned to his beloved Pecos Valley. Joe was a member of the Dexter Historical Society; he was a great patriot and volunteer. Joe was Peggy's right arm and did his part of revitalizing Main Street Roswell.
Joe was unexpectedly taken from us on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Sandy Bass, and an infant son.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy, of the home, son Joseph H. Seskey III of Roswell, NM, and daughter Buffy Seskey Johnson, of Las Cruces, NM, his grandchildren Katelyn Gozzard and husband Matt of Spotsylvania, VA, Andrew Seskey of Wilmington, NC, Alex, Mathew and Emily Itomitsu of Las Cruces, NM, sister Carol Kiker and husband Kenneth of Tucson, AZ., and brother, Jack Bass of Oregon.
When Joe married Peggy, he not only gained the world's most wonderful wife, he became a brother to Peggy's 7 brothers and 2 sisters. For Joe, it was all about family. That family includes, Richard Johnson of Denver, CO; Dennis and Patty Johnson, Dusty and Sharon Johnson, Rusty and Elaine Johnson, Terry and Anita Johnson, Rocky and Pam Johnson all of Roswell, New Mexico, Randy and Cynthia Johnson of El Paso, TX; Candy and Ike Beeman of Roswell, NM; and Rebecca Johnson Lee (preceding him in death). Uncle Joe leaves his legacy to a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends at LaGrone Funeral Home Friday, February 17, 2017 3:00pm- 7:00pm.

Services for Joe will be Saturday, February 18, 2017 10:00am at Mt. View Baptist Church. His nephew, Terry Johnson II will officiate assisted by his friend, Jason Perry. Joe's favorite songs will be provided by "the brothers".
Joe will be gently carried to his final resting place by his brothers, Dennis, Dusty, Rusty, Terry, Randy, Ike, Kenneth and his grandson, Andrew. Honorary Pall Bearers will be his grandsons, Alex and Matthew Itomitsu, lifelong friends Kenneth Belyeu and Jesse Price. Interment will be at South Park Cemetery/General McBride Veterans Cemetery with full Military Honors.
Professional services by LaGrone Funeral Home under the guidance of Michael Koonce.

Visitation

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, February 17, 2017
3 PM to 7 PM

Service

Funeral

Mountain View Baptist
206 E Charleston Rd
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, February 18, 2017
10 AM

Cemetery

General Douglas McBride Veterans Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203