Joe S. Rocha, 95 of Newman passed away Tuesday, October 22 at his home in Newman.

Joe was born in Banta, California on November 22, 1928. His father was one of three partners in a dairy there before the family moved to start their own dairy in Crows Landing. Joe began milking cows at the age of 11. In 1943, Joe’s father; Joe M. Rocha bought land in Newman and created a dairy business that grew to sustain not only his family, but his son’s Joe and Eddie’s families as well. 

In high school Joe was a football player but baseball was his favorite and although he was right-handed, he batted lefty. 

Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He was a radioman on the front lines for 11 months before returning home to marry Evelyn Silva. 

Joe was a business man who conducted himself with integrity. He believed in doing business with a handshake and respectfully looking a man in the eye. 

He is survived by his three daughters, Kathleen Roper, Elaine Collison (Paul) and Lorene Moeller (Ken). Joe also had 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. 

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Rocha and siblings, Mary Jane Ford and Elerd Rocha. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00-6:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm, Monday, November 4th at Hillview Funeral Chapel in Newman. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, November 5th at Saint Joachim’s Catholic Church in Newman. Interment to follow at Hills Ferry Cemetery in Newman. Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity. 

Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapel, Newman.