Joseph Edward Serpa, a longtime resident of Escalon, CA, died on October 10, 2024.
Joseph was born on May 24, 1969, in Livermore, California. His family moved to Escalon in 1974, and he graduated from Escalon High School in 1988. Serpa studied agriculture at MJC for two years before getting married and moving to Shandon, CA. He worked for his grandfather’s surveying business before becoming a ranch hand/truck driver and moving back to Escalon to raise his two daughters. Serpa followed his family’s tradition by being involved in 4-H and FFA at a young age and continued that tradition with both his daughters. He was always involved in the livestock industry, from showing and raising club lambs on his family’s ranch to livestock consulting for 4-H and FFA members all over California. He knew exactly how to get the best out of any lamb or goat by fitting them like a wizard and knowing precisely what supplement feed combination was needed.
Serpa knew no strangers and would help anyone he could. He loved watching his daughters show livestock and play sports, especially soccer, which he even coached for years. Serpa loved hunting, team roping, rodeos, attending livestock shows, watching sports – especially football and the Cowboys – and his biggest passion, fishing. Anyone who knew Joseph knew he loved being in the shop working on projects and creating new ones with his best friend by his side, his dog Teal.
He was proud of his family and his Portuguese heritage, but especially proud of his two daughters and two young grandchildren. Serpa is survived by his daughters, Jaqueline Loduca (John) of Oakdale and Jaylyne Serpa (Kyle) of Escalon; his grandchildren Grayson and Madelyn Loduca of Oakdale; his mother, Ginger Serpa of Oakdale; his sisters, Jennifer Serpa (Wade) of Livermore and Jeanine Serpa-Bairos (Cher) of Oakdale; his nephews, Austin and Hadyn; his niece, Hayli; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph W. Serpa, Jr.
There will be a celebration of life on November 17 at 12 p.m. at the IMDES Festa Hall in Oakdale, 5748 Albers Road, Oakdale, CA.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Oct. 23, 2024
