JOSEPH ‘JOE’ GONZALO NAPOLES

1935 – 2026

Joseph “Joe” Gonzalo Napoles was born in Sanger, California, on January 10, 1935. He passed away on March 16, 2026, at his home in Paradise, near Bishop, California.

Joe’s early childhood was spent between the Central Valley, Randsburg, Lone Pine, Darwin, and Southern California. Though he faced many challenges in his young life, he developed a love for working on vehicles and, in time, became a diesel mechanic. He worked at Sears and Roebuck, for the City of Los Angeles, and for Caltrans.

Joe was known in the community as someone who would help others. He was part of the Paradise Fire Department, where he served as their mechanic, using his decades of experience to keep the vintage fire trucks in good working order. He also drove the engine and responded to fires.

Joe was much more than that — he was our dad, who built kites, made rubber band guns, and fashioned all kinds of gadgets for us. He worked hard and tried his very best for his children — Rick, Mark, Ron and Debbie — even when we were a challenge. Somehow, we all made it to adulthood.

Joe is survived by his sister, Sheila Grover, and her husband, Jim; his sons, Richard and his wife, Yolonda R. Napoles; Mark and his wife, Andri Napoles; and his daughter-in-law, Carla Napoles, wife of his son Ron Napoles; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Napoles; his mother, Martina “Martha” (Hernandez) Napoles; his son, Ron P. Napoles; and his nephew, Dwayne Grover.

Joseph was of the Catholic faith, and a graveside service will be officiated by Father Gracey on April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pioneer Cemetery, 160 Pioneer Lane, Bishop. A luncheon will follow at the residence of Mark and Andri Napoles, 799 North Pa Ha Lane, Bishop.

The Napoles family would like to thank Joe’s friends and neighbors for their many years of friendship, especially Peggy Brockman. Donations in memory of Joe Napoles may be made to the Ron Napoles Scholarship at Bishop Union High School or through Rick Napoles.