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PORTLAND, Maine — Jose G. “Joe” Avila Jr., 73, died July 26, 2018, at Seaside Rehab and Health Care in Portland, Maine, after a long illness and while in hospice care.
He was born in McAllen, Texas, son of Josefina Gonzalez and Jose G. Avila. He grew up in Defiance, Ohio, where he co-captained the DHS Bulldog football team, which won the state championship in 1962 and was named to the All-Ohio Second Team. He was a member of the National Honor Society and president of the 1963 senior class. Recently he was honored as “Outstanding Defensive Player” in the DHS Hall of Fame. He attended University of Toledo on a full athletic scholarship and was active in the ROTC program, graduating in 1967 with a BS degree in industrial engineering.
Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force and was based in Panama City, Fla. and had the rank of staff sergeant upon discharge. He was employed by Libby Owens in Perrysburg, Ohio, and later moved to McLouth Steel, working first in Monroe, Mich., and later transferred to Ironton, Ohio. In his later years, he lived in McAllen, Texas, where he developed and taught a unique system of learning ESL for adult learners. In McAllen, he worked with the local schools, organizing events to encourage student and family participation. San Antonio was home until he moved to Maine in 2013 as his health declined.
His passions included fishing, playing golf and creating both vegetable and flower gardens. He was constantly involved in home improvement projects, an avid reader and wonderful story teller. Above all, he was an excellent dancer. Joe valued family life and was at his best cooking at all family celebrations. He excelled in technical writing and wrote poetry for friends and family.
He was predeceased by his mother, Josefina G. Hernandez; stepfather, Jose Angel Hernandez; and father, Jose G. Avila.
He is survived by his son, Jose G. Avila III and his wife, Tina, and his grandson, Kane Avila of Malabar Fla.; his siblings, Maria Oralia Ruiz of Findlay, Ohio, Imelda Schaefer of Portland, Maine, Hilda Hernandez of Portland, Maine, Homero Hernandez of Las Vegas, Nev., and Linda Donahue of Windham, Maine.
The family extends their deep appreciation to the VA Maine Health Care system and staff, as well as the Beacon Hospice team for their help in his care.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland.
To view Jose’s guestbook or leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.athutchins.com.
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Pam Weir (Gray)
We remember Joe as always being friendly and very polite during our years at DHS. He was an outstanding athlete. Our prayers are for his family. Pam &Ted Gray
Mike Feeney
Have a lot of great memories of Joe on football field and just hanging out. Remember Joe chasing the Fostoria quarterback all around their backfield and Joe had lost his helmet. Best wishes to his family!
Jim Bidlack
Joe and I walked to school during our freshman year. That was the year of the split schedule due to the new junior high being built. I never forgot walking to his house to meet up with him in the mornings. His mom would insist I eat with Joe, tortillas and eggs. Then we would walk to school. Lots of good memories of Joe when we played football. Coach Knect would always call him Jose. Got a kick out of that. I wish his family the best.
Dave Monroe
I remember driving Joe over to Holgate to meet up with some friends. He would tell me to stay close by him. Joe the protector. And he was big enough to do so. But he never had to. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his family.
Paula Weir (Steele)
Paula Weir SteeleI remember Joe always having a smile on his face and being very upbeat. I remember working with him on Spanish club activities. I am praying for him and his family. This is my third attempt to send you a message Joe so I hope it goes through.
Faye Reineke (Schaffer)
I had just settled into my seat in English II when Joe arrived. He turned to ask me a question as he was sitting down in the seat in front of me. Mrs. Andrews immediately pointed at us and told us to leave class. Obviously, she was not in a good mood. We stood out in the hallway quietly talking when along comes more trouble, Superintendent Claude Henkle. He stopped and asked us why we were in the hallway. I didn't say a word. Joe did all the talking. Mr. Henkle just shrugged his shoulders, peeked in the classrom and then just ambled on down the hall. No principal's office, no detention. Thank you, Joe. Some things you just can't forget.God Bless. Faye
John Deatrick
Joe was an outstanding athletic, leader, and all-around great guy. May he rest in peace in the heavenly grace.
John D
Leo Hoeffel
I have thought of Joe throughout my life. I never played football and went out for a sport of any kind. Joe was in Mr. Green's retailing class with me. 1st week, not sure if it was 2-3 days in..., he asked me if I was out for anything...I said no....he looked at me and he said in a caring quiet voice and said. C'mon. "You need any coaching on the side, I will help you." He said, "I passed you in a car and I saw you running w/some other guys towards the bank down there(First Federal I assume)( I remember racing guys several times to Kuntzes after school) and you were running like a deer,... a couple guys on the track team weren't keeping up with you!!" He said," you would make a fine running back on the team." Nobody would touch you if you got out in front!" I didn't do it of course...but I liked him immensly, he had a quiet demeanor but almost an adult like disposition with me. Have often looked back on that time and regretted so much that I didn't have the good sense to go with Joe! He left quite an impression on me...and I always thought about him through the years and was always gonna look him up and telling what an impression he made on me....but life happened.....it was after my prognosis of lung cancer and scheduled surgery in June of this year...I reflected on many things ....people that I love, people I knew where I been and where I am going......I have a few regrets....but one glaring regret, is that these last 14 years in retirement, never made the effort to look him up...thought about it...in May before I knew what my summer held for me....I had told my wife, looks like a good summer shaping up. I am gonna take a week, find out where Joe Avilla lives and I am gonna fly,drive take a bus or ride a horse to wherever,....tell him what an impression he made on me... Hopefully Joe is looking down and knows what he did for this ole boy. I read his obit and nothing in there surprised me...he was one of the most caring people I ever met. Descanse en paz, JOE.