Joe Euresti: A Life and A Legacy
"My most vivid memory of DePelchin is the caring, understanding and positive attitudes that helped me to believe in myself."
The year was 1946 when Joe Euresti's mother passed away. That's when he came to live at DePelchin Faith Home, which he would go on to promote for the rest of his life.
Joe lived at DePelchin from the age of nine until he graduated from Reagan High School. But even after moving out of the home, DePelchin remained a forever part of Joe's life story.
After college, Joe first served as a junior director at Pine Tree Camp, the summer camp for DePelchin Faith Home. He eventually became the director there from 1962 to 1968, and was lovingly known as "Papa Joe."
Joe went on to earn his master's degree and was a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M. With each step he took, Joe remained passionate about the work of DePelchin. He faithfully helped promote charity events and fundraisers throughout the years.
"[My most vivid memory of DePelchin is] the caring, understanding, and positive attitudes that helped me to believe in myself," Joe said at a 2002 DePelchin reunion. Other favorite memories Joe recounted during the reunion included being exposed to the many enhancement activities, attending summer camp, celebrating the Christmas season at DePelchin Faith Home, and the "support given by the community."
Joe passed away on April 5, 2019, at the age of 81. Joe made DePelchin a part of his estate plans, and DePelchin is proudly acknowledged throughout his obituary.
We're humbled and grateful for people like Joe who make it possible to transform the lives of children. We're thankful for Joe's life and legacy, and we're proud to be a part of his story.
