Almost 84 years of a life well-lived has ended for Joe Noriega, a third-generation
proud Houstonian who passed away at home February 12, 2012. Born July 10, 1928,
in San Antonio, TX, to Jesus and Sofia Hinojosa Noriega, he was raised by his
grandmother, Ygnacia Noriega, in Second Ward.
He joined the Army at age 17 following
WWII and volunteered for the 82nd Airborne; afterward he joined the US Merchant
Marine. He was Houston Golden Gloves Featherweight Boxing Champ in 1949.
The Noriegas raised their family in the Hobby Airport area. Joe is survived by his wife, Tommie and his three children, David Noriega (Lisa), Rick Noriega (Melissa) and Carol Castillo (Mark) and grand and great-grandchildren.
He also leaves his sister Susie, and husband Frank Moreno, Armida Cruz, Yolanda Villanueva, Stella Medelez and nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 11am at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2209 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland, TX 77581. He is buried at Forest Park East Cemetery.
