Joseph F. "Joey" Tenorio

Tenorio, Joseph (Joey) F. - On January 6, 2017, Joey Tenorio, beloved husband to Margie Torres-Nunez and loving father to Ricardo Torres-Tenorio entered the gates of heaven. He was surrounded by family members at the time of his passing. His unexpected death has devastated so many people.

In late November and early December, Joey was diagnosed with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. He had been in and out of the emergency room three times, along with multiple trips to the doctor hoping to discover why he was ill. Joey was set to meet with a cardiologist the middle of January to further assess the situation with his heart. Unfortunately, Joey never made the appointment.

Frank and Mary Josephine Tenorio welcomed Joey into the world on August 4, 1961, in El Paso, TX. His father was a New Mexico State Police Officer so the family moved around New Mexico quite a bit. This must have been why he had such a lust for travelling and exploring.

Joey is preceded in death by his father Frank Tenorio and his in-laws Anastacio (Tacho) and Lucy Torres. He was also preceded in death by the family dogs, Mistletoe, Chiquita, Lobo and Bruno. He is survived by his wife Margie Torres-Nunez, his son Ricardo Torres-Tenorio and step-son Bobby Nunez. His mother, Mary Josephine Tenorio also survives him. In addition, Joey is survived by his brothers Ronnie Tenorio and wife Chuckie; James Tenorio; brother-in-law Orlando Torres; and sister-in-law Lisa Atencio and husband Charlie. Joey was fortunate enough to have many nieces and nephews, Andre Tenorio and wife Margaret; Caleb Tenorio; Savannah Sisneros and husband Andrew; Valerie, Jameson, and Azalea Torres; CJ Atencio; Catherine Atencio and fiancAC.e Dominic Garcia and daughter Emma (Strawberry); Michael Torres and fiancAC.e Lisa Renee and cutie patoodie Luca; Olivia and Faith Jastrzemski; Jennifer Ynostroza, husband Tim and children Matthew and Tiffani; Jolene Ortiz, husband Johnny and children Joshua, Jasmine and Joseph; Margaret Dominguez and children Danny Joe, Danielle, Richelle and Ezekiel. Also surviving Joey are special aunts, Nica Fullbright and Gloria Ortiz along with special cousins Donna and Albert Torres. Joey is also survived by the family pets, Starburst, CoCo and Alejandro.

In 1981, Joey graduated from Cibola High School. Upon graduation, he attended New Mexico Highlands University studying Environmental Science. While there he met two lifelong friends Pepe Heffenger and John Perez.

Environmental Science was not what Joey wanted to do so he went into the security field. He started his security career working with AKAL Security. Eventually his parents opened their own security company, PSI (Polygraphs, Security and Investigations). In 2000, upon the death of his father, Joey became co-owner of the company. Unfortunately, the company didn't stay open so Joey moved on. He worked at the Downs Racetrack and Casino from 2004 - 2015. After leaving the Downs, Joey began working at Route 66 Casino in May 2016.

Football was Joey's passion. Although he never played the game he loved watching Ricardo play YAFL football for four years and then was excited when Ricardo joined the football team over at Valley High School and especially when Ricardo was made starting center for the JV team. Joey never missed a practice or a game. He could be seen wearing his Viking horns walking up and down the field cheering on the team. A few of the kids on the team became attached to Joey especially Eli Rodarte and Mitchell Martinez. When Ricardo and Margie went on a trip, the boys came over to hang out with him to make sure he wasn't lonely.

Joey's favorite NFL team was the Dallas Cowboy. In 2013, Joey was given the opportunity to attend a Dallas game in Phoenix vs the Arizona Cardinals with Ricardo. He was thrilled that he was finally able to attend a Dallas game, something he thought he would never be able to do. Joey was looking forward to attending another game.

Joey loved to travel. Although he was sick, the family went to Disneyland in December to celebrate Ricardo's 17th birthday. He was able to see the beach and walk along the shore. The family also took a side trip to San Diego where Joey was amazed at all of the Navy ships in port. He was looking forward to going to either Las Vegas or Washington DC this spring. Joey was an explorer. Anytime he went on a trip he was anxious to see everything. He was like a little child seeing things for the first time.

The only word to describe Joey was that he was a very quiet man. Joey didn't have a mean bone in his body. He never spoke a harsh word to anyone. Joey was a friend to everyone he met. This man will be missed by many.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Salazar Mortuary. Viewing will be at 10:00 AM, Rosary at 10:30 AM, followed by the services at 11:00 AM. Immediately following the services, cremation will take place. Burial will be at a later date. Reception will follow immediately after the services in the Salazar Mortuary Life Event Center.

Pallbearers are Andre Tenorio, Eli Rodarte, Mitchell Martinez, Ramon Casaus, and Chris Prudencio. Honorary pallbearers are CJ Atencio, Michael Torres, Jameson Torres, Andrew Cremonese and Jaycob Trujillo.