Joseph Nekoranec

Joseph Nekoranec 101 years old of Rio Rancho, NM and a former resident of Waterville, Ohio passed on July 23rd of natural causes at home with his daughter Jeanne at his side. He was Born in Morgantown, West Virginia on June 25th,1924 to Catherine Myers and Peter Nekoranec.

Joe volunteered in the Army and was a WWII Combat Veteran Hero that fought 3 major campaigns and was a Prisoner of War for 9 months. Joe met his lifelong friend Felix Fragua in basic training which lead him to New Mexico later in life. Upon returning to the US Joe returned to his hometown of Rossford, Ohio where he met his beloved wife Patricia of 73

years. Their marriage was a remarkable milestone of the love and commitment that they had toward one another. He was a Father of four, a Grandfather,

a Great Grandfather and friend. He loved to travel, and we went on some of the greatest vacations that we will always remember. He loved to

dance and was in several clubs for Round & Square dancing. He had so

many hobbies over the years and he embraced the Southwest making furniture,

Indian loom beading, you name it. Joe and Patrica also bred and

showed Old English sheepdogs and Wheaton Terriers. Joe made several into Champions, and they did this for several decades.

He is survived by his brother John Nekoranec, Children-Joseph and Allen Nekoranec, Jeanne Finfrock, Penny Brown. Grand Children - Jabob, Patrick, Grant Nekoranec, Howard, Matthew, Charles Brown and Great Grand Children - Grady, Kennedy and Camden. He is preceeded in death by his wife Patricia, Siblings - John Peter, Robert, Helen, William, Mildred (Sr Teresa), Dolores, Andrew, Catherine and Grandson William.

Joe was a strong, quiet man and he will be greatly missed and always remain close in our hearts.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 - FRENCH Funerals Rio Rancho Chapel at 5:00pm. A rosary will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 10:00am with a funeral mass to follow at 10:30am. A graveside service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00pm.