Dr. Joe Valles

“No matter how long it takes, or how long I have to travel, I will find you again. Because we’re family, and I love you. Forever.”

Dr. Joe Valles passed suddenly and unexpectedly on September 5, 2021. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe. E and Margaret Vallez; brothers: John Vallez, Lino Vallez; and sister Ramona Vallez.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joanne Valles; son Dr. Domingo Valles DDS, fiancée Cheyanne Grissom, grandson Wesley Grey Alejandro; son Dr. Emiliano Valles MD, fiancée Paige Williams; also by numerous nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Born on March 27, 1949, his care entrusted to his maternal grandparents at 3 months of age. Joe was raised in Jarales, NM to humble beginnings: subsistence farming/ranching with no modern machinery. Despite not speaking a lick of English, he ultimately earned his GED, then a degree from UNM. It was there that he met the love, rock, and joy of his life: Joanne Sofia Santiago. Matriculating into USC School of Dentistry, he graduated Cum Laude, thereafter beginning a dental career that would endear him to the community of the city of Albuquerque. His soon to be born sons would give to him their mother’s hand in marriage in the very home that Joe himself would build.

In 37 years practicing the art of dentistry, he prayed every night without exception for the strength to serve his patients as best he could, and for their acceptance of his own limitations. We remember Joe as a pillar to his family, a comfort to his patients, a servant to his community, and a champion to the neighborhoods of our city. A man of many investments but of singular focus, he was respected by many, and will be missed by all who knew him for what he was: a good man.

We wish him, with all our hearts: “Ojalá que te vaya bonito.”

“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Dr. Joe's Life Celebration will begin with a Eulogy on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 8:15 a.m. at St. Joseph's on the Rio Grande Church. Mass will begin at 9:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a charitable donation be made to the International Refugee Assistance Project.

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