Joe L. Trujillo

In Loving Memory of Joe “Pepe” L. Trujillo

November 16, 1925 – March 19, 2025

Surrounded by love and filled with gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Joe "Pepe" L. Trujillo, who departed this world on March 19, 2025, at the age of 99. Born on November 16, 1925, Joe lived nearly a century filled with purpose, resilience, and love.

A Proud American Hero

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II as a Technician Corporal (Tec 5), a rank that reflected his technical expertise and dependable leadership. His time in the military profoundly shaped his character and values, instilling in him a deep sense of discipline, integrity, and patriotism. He often spoke of his service with pride and humility, recalling those years as some of the most defining and honorable of his life. The strength, resilience, and unwavering duty he carried from that experience stayed with him always, influencing the way he loved, worked, and led his family.

A Legacy of Service and Dedication

Following his honorable military service, Joe continued his commitment to country and community through a long and meaningful career at Hughes Aircraft (later Raytheon), where he helped manufacture military equipment. He worked there for over 40 years, dedicating his skills and passion to support the nation's defense. His pride in his work and dedication to the country never wavered.

Family and Faith

"Gramps" was a hard worker and an extremely direct man, but when he loved you, he loved with his whole heart. He had deep love and admiration for his parents, Jose and Herlinda Trujillo, and always spoke fondly of his family roots. Though he weighed in at just 132 lbs, he carried the heart of a lion.

Throughout his final years on earth, Gramps held a deep love for so many people. His care and concern for them ran so deep that it often impacted his happiness from day to day. He loved all—and I mean all—of his nurses and caregivers, and he was incredibly appreciative of their compassion and dedication throughout the past four years of his life.

Gramps even memorized the names of some of the ambulance members, since he called them up frequently when he wasn't feeling his best. Everyone was so patient and loving toward Gramps because he was the same—most of the time—with them.

Survived by Loving Family

He is survived by his loving daughter, Juanita T. Ormsby, and her husband Ralph Ormsby. He leaves behind four grandchildren and their spouses—Frank and Larissa Bustamante, Patrick J. Betancourt and Josie N. Betancourt, Linea Ormsby, and Clifton Ormsby—as well as numerous beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ernestina Trujillo, his daughter, Diana Trujillo, and many brothers and sisters; Olga, Guillermo (Wero), Alejandro (Chocho), Marta (Yaya), Emelda Marie and Enedina (Pinkie) Trujillo. Joe is now at peace, reunited in heaven with his daughter, his parents, his brothers and sisters, and his wife of over 60 years, Ernestina Trujillo. The thought of them gathered together once again brings comfort to those who mourn his passing, knowing he is surrounded by love and eternal rest. He was honored to serve alongside his military brothers, and his wishes were to be eternally beside them when it was his time to rest.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 2nd, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Martinez Funeral Hall 2580 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85713

A formal military Committal Service will take place the following day, Tuesday, June 3rd at 10:00 AM, at Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery-Marana.