Joseph Michael Santos Vega (Joey), 38, passed away at his home in Superior on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. Joey was born in Tempe, AZ on April 25, 1982, to parents Marlene Joyce (Lopez) and Aurelio “Yaeyo” Vega and shared a birthday with his father.
Joey grew up and attended school in Superior, AZ and graduated from Superior High School in 2000. He was a hard worker anywhere he could be. He began working at ASARCO in Hayden, Arizona and worked for the company for 16 years.
Joey coached for the Superior Little League for 5 years and was so proud of his teams. He was a proud Panther supporter. He was always present for his nieces’ and nephews’ games. He was also a die-hard San Francisco 49ers fan. He loved lowriders and attended car shows. He even owned a few lowriders himself. He loved camping and taking the kids out riding in the desert. Joey had a big loving heart and was all about helping or giving to anyone he could.
Joey is preceded in death by his grandparents, Martin and Elvira Munoz Sr.
Joey is survived by his daughter, Kia; son, Isaiah; goddaughter, Monique; godson, Sergio; parents, Eurelio and Marlene Vega; brothers, Robert and Mauel Vega; sisters, Renee (Steven) McConnell, Martina (Chris) Celaya, Eliza (Michael) Templeton, Niki (Michael) Perea; uncles, David (Becky) Lopez, Ruben Lopez, Anonio Fuentes, Jose (Alma) Rosales, and Frank Hernandez; aunts, Angie (Alberto) Mesta and Betty Fuentes; nieces, Ivie, Sivanna, Alianna, Leilani, and Makayla; and nephews, Sammy, Daniel, Joivani, and Ivan. He also leaves behind many cousins and all his friends to whom Joey considered family.