Known as Chinaman Joe, Jose Fidel Santistevan passed away Oct. 18, 2021, at the age of 86 in Colorado Springs, CO. He was born on May 11th, 1935 to Porfirio and Maria Dejesus Santistevan (Torres) in Tercio, CO. He grew up in Sopris, CO attending St. Thomas School. He worked several jobs in his youth, spent 14 years working for the railroad from 1956 to 1970. In 1970 he went to work for Las Animas County until his retirement at age 65 in 2000. In 1967 he and his mother along with all other Sopris residents were forced to move due to the construction of Trinidad Lake. He resided in Jansen until the time of his death.
He liked watching the Forty-Niners and the Atlanta Braves. He was a lifetime member of the Catholic church and a member of the Sacred Heart Society. Although he never had children, he was affectionately known to everyone as Uncle Joe. Everyone should be fortunate enough to have an uncle like him.
He is preceded in death by Porfirio and Maria DeJesus Santistevan, brothers Alex, Rudy, and Celestino Santistevan, and sister Lena Rael. He is survived by Henry J. (Mashell) Santistevan, Trinidad, CO; John Santistevan, Colorado Springs, CO; Porfirio Jr. (Vera) Santistevan, Trinidad, CO; Nora (Lee) Chavez, Trinidad, CO; Theresa Rael, Tooele, Utah; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Visitation will be Thursday, from 3 pm-7 pm at the Comi Chapel.
Rosary will be recited Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 7 pm at the Comi Chapel.
Funeral Mass will be Friday, October 29, 2021, at 1;30pm at Holy Trinity Church.
Interment will follow at the Tercio Cemetery.
Active pallbearers: Joseph Santistevan, John Santistevan, Anthony Chavez, Pete Bowman, John Cordova, and Elvis Cordova
Honorary pallbearers: Katie Santistevan, Lucas Santistevan, Alan Santistevan, and Ben Santistevan
Arrangements were made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
