Joe C. Cienfuegos, Sr.

Joe Cienfuegos, Sr., a familiar face on Linden Street for the past 88 years, past away from Alzheimer's on April 14, 2011. Mr. Cienfuegos was born August 27, 1920 in Chihuahua, Mexico to Socorro and Refugio Cienfuegos. Joe came to Fort Collins with his family under contract with Great Western Sugar Beet Factory as laborers. He attended school locally. He worked for Johnny Ahers a local mechanic shop. In December of 1940 he married Teresa Dominquez. In 1942 he joined the army, where he obtained the rank of sergeant. He was with the 7th Army, 3rd Division. Joe was wounded, captured, and imprisoned in Germany. Upon his release as a POW he returned to Plymouth Rock, England and he was granted United States Citizenship by the US Army. Upon returning to Fort Collins he opened Joe's Auto Upholstery at 247 Linden and it is still a family business after 65 years. Mr. Cienfuegos enjoyed restoring 1932 Fords, collecting antiques, elk hunting and fishing. Survivors include his sons, Richard Ruby, and George both of Fort Collins; six grandchildren, Joe III, Julie Marie, Tanya, Stephanie, Ryan and Noel; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Joe Nelda Coria and Dave Isabel Coria both of Fort Collins. He was adored by his grandchildren and lovingly called Papa Joe. Preceding Joe in death are his parents; wife, Teresa; son, Joe, Jr.; 2 sisters and 1 brother. A Mass of Christian Burial and Rosary with Military Honors will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524.