Joseph "Joe" Renteria, '35
Joseph "Joe" Renteria, '35, Boys Town's oldest alumnus, passed away on October 24, 2021 in San Diego, California. Lifetime Member.
80 year San Diego Resident and Cherokee Indian, Joe Renteria, aged 104, passed away peacefully on Sunday October 24, 2021. Orphaned at a young age, Joe had many adventures. From riding trains as a Hobo to walking on stilts in Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey’s Circus to meeting Father Flanagan himself at BoysTown Boys Home in Omaha, Nebraska. An Army and Navy Veteran of WWII and Korea, Joe served as Admiral Bull Halsey’s Staff Photographer in the South Pacific Theater. After retiring, he was employed by San Diego State University as Head of Photography for 34 years. Joe also served on the Native American Indian Health Center Board, Native American Child Services Board and the Native American Human Resource Board. He and his son, Michael, built their Point Loma adobe home themselves, taking adult classes for plumbing, electrical and brick laying.
Joe always had an upbeat attitude and was always willing to give a helping hand. His lifelong motto was “Go For It”. He always told everyone to “Keep Moving” and that the secret to a long life is POSITIVE THINKING! Joe will be missed terribly by all who knew him. But he is at peace now and forever with his darling wife, Jill, of 71 years.
Joe learned a valuable lesson from Father Flanagan that he used throughout his whole life. As a 16 year old boy, Joe had never attended church and on a Sunday morning at Boys Town, he decided to try it but once he was standing outside the door he hesitated. Father Flanagan saw him and asked him to step around to the side of the building out of sight of the others. He placed his hands on Joe’s shoulders and said “Now, I could make you go inside but I would APPRECIATE IT if you would go in and set an example for the younger boys.” In that moment, Father Flanagan gained much respect in Joe’s eyes and Joe loved to tell that story to all who would listen. But Joe also used those words himself many times to peers and to those he led, understanding that respect must be earned.
Boys Town had a very special place in Joe’s heart and he enjoyed many trips back for reunions. One of the best being the 100th Anniversary which was also Joe’s 100th birthday. What a time that was! A special Birthday Cake at the reunion banquet and then a very special Birthday Cake in the hall with all the kids at lunchtime. Boys Town was truly instrumental in shaping Joe’s life and he was forever grateful for the love and kindness and guidance that was shown to him.
Joe always had an upbeat attitude and was always willing to give a helping hand. His lifelong motto was “Go For It”. He always told everyone to “Keep Moving” and that the secret to a long life is POSITIVE THINKING! Joe will be missed terribly by all who knew him. But he is at peace now and forever with his darling wife, Jill, of 71 years.
Joe learned a valuable lesson from Father Flanagan that he used throughout his whole life. As a 16 year old boy, Joe had never attended church and on a Sunday morning at Boys Town, he decided to try it but once he was standing outside the door he hesitated. Father Flanagan saw him and asked him to step around to the side of the building out of sight of the others. He placed his hands on Joe’s shoulders and said “Now, I could make you go inside but I would APPRECIATE IT if you would go in and set an example for the younger boys.” In that moment, Father Flanagan gained much respect in Joe’s eyes and Joe loved to tell that story to all who would listen. But Joe also used those words himself many times to peers and to those he led, understanding that respect must be earned.
Boys Town had a very special place in Joe’s heart and he enjoyed many trips back for reunions. One of the best being the 100th Anniversary which was also Joe’s 100th birthday. What a time that was! A special Birthday Cake at the reunion banquet and then a very special Birthday Cake in the hall with all the kids at lunchtime. Boys Town was truly instrumental in shaping Joe’s life and he was forever grateful for the love and kindness and guidance that was shown to him.