Joseph Griego

Griego, Joseph Michael “Joe,” age 94, entered into eternal life Wednesday, November 5, 2014. He was born in Primero, Colorado on September 8, 1920, to Miguel and Eloisa Griego who preceded him in death, along with his brothers Eddie and Elmer, and sisters Kathryn, Delia, Jessie, Julia, Ida and Barbara. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Patricia McInerney. Joe grew up in Denver, Colorado where he lived at the Mullen Home for Boys. Prior to entering the service he played football at Regis College in Denver. Joe served in WWII with the 100th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force as a tail gunner on a B-17. On March 18, 1945, Joe’s B-17 was shot down by a ME 262 Jet Interceptor. Although the entire tail section was shot off, Joe was able to parachute into Germany and survived the prison camp, returning home to the United States. In his later years, Joe wrote a book about his wartime experiences entitled, The Tail End. After the war, Joe ultimately ended up in Albuquerque, NM. Joe completed his education at the University of New Mexico, where he earned a Master’s degree.  After graduation, he entered the education field with the Albuquerque School District, where he remained for his entire career. Final viewing for Joe Griego will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM.   A Recitation of the Rosary and viewing will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Fr. Michael Shea, with Military Honors to be presented by the 47th Regiment Honor Guard. A reception will follow.  Joe was a lifetime member of the Catholic War Veterans and a Charter Member, 4th Degree Knight of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Internment at Santa Fe National Cemetery will be at a later date.  Recognition and a heartfelt thanks to all who enriched Joe and his wife’s final years in Albuquerque, including family, friends, former colleagues, and their devoted caregivers.

---