José Luis Vazquez – Born April 24th, 1946

José was born and raised in Humacao, Puerto Rico in 1946 to Delfin Vazquez and Juana Rodriguez. José immigrated to this country in the late 1960s, working on a farm in Connecticut. After teaching himself English, he moved to Delaware in 1971, where he worked in the culinary industry. Through hard work and passion, he attained the position of Sous Chef at Spirals Restaurant and Bar. His skill and dedication elevated him to Executive Chef at Allyson’s Family Restaurant, and eventually as one of the first Chefs to open the illustrious Brandywine Country Club. In his later years, José moved out of the culinary vocation, retiring from the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles.

José was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic Fraternity operating all across the globe. José’s profound faith and dedication to the order led to him achieving the position of Grand Knight, responsible for overseeing and facilitating all activities for his local chapter, the San Pablo Council. He was a devout, faithful man, who would lead his family in prayer during holidays and special occasions.

In 1977, José married Digna Serrano. The two excitedly welcomed Gloria Vazquez to their family in 1979. José is survived by his daughter, Gloria, and son-in-law Eric Boehm, as well as his five grandchildren: Kasey (and Chase) Stubbles, Lilyanna, Emily, and Cristian.  José is one of seven children, and is survived by his brother Cesar, and his sisters, Tere, Isabel, and Gloria

José was a Philadelphia sports fanatic, throwing the same level of passion and devotion as his work and community into his love for baseball and football. He was an avid collector of Philadelphia sports memorabilia, proudly broadcasting his support and love for the Phillies and the Eagles.

José will always be remembered first and foremost for his faith and devotion to all things and people that he loved. He was zealously loyal, fiercely protective, and overwhelmingly generous, offering a smile, a joke, a beer, and a seat to watch the game for all who needed it.

José Luis Vazquez was a pillar of his community, a loving patriarch for his family, and a beautiful soul. He returned to God on November 15th, 2024 in the very same city whose sports teams he loved so much.

May he rest in peace with God, and be remembered with love and glory for all days.

A Memorial Service will be held at R. T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home – 122 West Main Street, Newark, Delaware on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 12:30 PM. The family will begin receiving friends at 11:30 AM.