Joseph Patrick Lepre

Joseph Lepre, 48, beloved husband, father, brother, son, nephew, cousin, educator, friend, and confidant, was called to his eternal resting place on April 30, 2024. Joseph was born December 11, 1975, in Albuquerque, NM, to Anna Torres and David Lepre. He is survived by his wife, Nicole Lepre; two children, Gennaro and Sofia Lepre; his parents and stepfather Jack Torres; brothers David Lepre, Mario Torres and wife Rebecca Torres, and Carlos Torres and wife Diane Lu; nephew, Isaac Torres; Niece, Julianna Torres, mother-in-law Margaret Rinaldi, Goddaughter Kaia Alexander, and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and countless students for whom he cared so much and became extended family. 

Joseph joyously expressed and demonstrated his love for God, family, and friends. He lived a life of service to his students, fellow educators, and church. 

Joseph's love for everyone in his life was not just a sentiment but a daily practice. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence in every task he undertook were a testament to his deep love and care for those around him.

Those who knew him will always remember Joseph’s infectious smile, quick wit, and sense of humor. He was a gifted cook and loved nothing more than preparing meals for his family while whistling and singing along to Frank Sinatra songs.

Joseph’s wife, Nicole, son, Gennaro, and daughter, Sofia, were the absolute lights of his life. Nicole was his high-school sweetheart. A true romantic, he proposed to her in Venice, Italy. Joseph and Nicole were married for 20 years and loved each other very much. They loved spending time together and always put Gennaro and Sofia first.

Joseph beamed with pride when talking about his children and their accomplishments. He purposely delayed pursuing his graduate studies to spend as much time as possible with them during their formative years. Joseph and his family did everything together, from evening family meals to crossing the country on family vacations. 

An accomplished student, Joseph earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education as a Crimson Scholar at New Mexico State University and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from New Mexico Highlands University. 

Joseph’s love for his children carried over into his professional career as an educator, instructional coach, and administrator for the Bernalillo Public School District. He derived great satisfaction from seeing his students succeed and spoke in glowing terms about his colleagues. Joseph also served his community as a volunteer Little League baseball coach.

Some of the best times of Joseph’s life came during his childhood summers when he would spend time with his grandparents Cande and Pat Aguilar and the Aguilar family at their home in El Valle, New Mexico and his grandmother Anne Lepre and aunts, uncles, and cousins in New Jersey, where he splashed around in his uncle George and Gennaro’s swimming pools from sunrise to sunset, went deep-sea fishing with his uncle Bob in the Atlantic, swapped stories with his uncle Anthony, or spent long days on the Jersey shore at Seaside Heights with his dad and brother David before returning to Grandma Lepre’s home for one of her amazing home-cooked meals.

Joseph also took great pride in the accomplishments of his two younger brothers, Mario and Carlos, whom he helped raise into outstanding young men.

Like the rest of his family, Joseph was a sports fan who loved rooting for his Yankees, Cowboys, Bulls, and Oklahoma Sooners. Joseph loved golf outings with Gennaro, his brother David, and his father, David Sr. He enjoyed the outdoors, often taking fishing trips, and made his own wine from a small vineyard in his backyard.

Joseph will always be a source of pride for his parents and those who loved him. We love and miss him dearly and only wish we could have had more time with him as he made everything he touched and everyone he met better, bringing happiness to all of our lives. TTFN, Joe.

Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, May 14, 2024; 10:00 a.m., at Church of the Incarnation, 2309 Monterrey Rd NE, Rio Rancho, NM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Entombment will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM. A Reception will be held at Church of the Incarnation Parish Hall following Entombment. 

For those thinking of sending flowers, Joseph Lepre's family suggests contributions to an education account for his children at the following link: https://gofund.me/72b687a9