Joseph was born to Andres and Lugardita (Rodriguez) Atencio in Espanola, New Mexico on May 28, 1950. He passed peacefully after a sudden illness on January 19, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, NM with his loving family by his side.

Although Joseph was an only child, he was surrounded by many cousins and relations that knew him as Floyd. Joe graduated from Espanola Hornets High School in 1968. He met his first wife Yolanda Trujillo at the Tastee Freeze in Espanola in 1971. They were married June 3, 1972. During the years of their marriage, he and Yolanda had three beautiful daughters Michelle Audrey, Melissa Ann, and Patricia Allison.

Joe began his career in the Espanola Police Department in 1973. Joe was an Espanola Police Officer from 1973 to 1995 where he retired as a Lieutenant. True to his strong work ethic, Joe could not stay retired for long as he worked for an armored truck service, and as a cab driver.

He met his second wife Tina Townsend Gibson at the Espanola Police Department. They were married in 1994. The union joined a blended family of seven children, Michelle, Melissa, Robert, Patricia, Faye, Leon, and Vincent. Joe and Tina moved to Santa Fe in 1999 where they resided.

Joes love first and foremost was for God and his family, and he lived his life guided by that devotion. He attended many family occasions in celebration or in sorrow. One granddaughter fondly shared that her grandpa was very smart as he was the first to arrive and the first to leave any gathering.

His Harley was his second love. He enjoyed many rides through New Mexico and through the Rocky Mountain states solo or with a family member.

He is preceded in death by his parents Andres and Lugardita Atencio, son Vincent Gibson, Grandchildren Carlos and Kaiser, and daughter-in-law Florence Gibson. Joseph leaves behind his loving wife of 31 years, Tina, his loving children: Michelle (Carlos) Rodriguez, Melissa Atencio, Robert (Melody) Gibson, Patricia (Travis)Portis, Faye Gibson (Carlos), and Leon (Manal) Gibson.

Grandchildren: Ashley, Martine, Raeanna, Guillermo, Jacqueline, Estevan, Natalia (Michelle), Christopher Jr. (Dino), Abriana, Aiyana, Josalyn (Melissa), Elora, Evan, Peyton, Jaxon, Xander (Robert), Christina, Carlos, Anastacia (Patricia), Alessandra, Mateo (Faye), Mina, Siegmund, Aurelia (Leon) Aryanna (Vincent)Great-Grandchildren: Irina, Christian, Jordan, Violet, Derek (Michelle), Owen, Malani, Dionne, Jude jr., Benny III, Maleiyah (Melissa), Flora, Fauna (Robert) Angel (Patricia)Godchildren: Patrick Naranjo, Martine Dixon

Joseph will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Rosary will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM,  with a Public viewing from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Rosary at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Santa Cruz de la Canada in Santa Cruz, NM, at 10:00 am. Interment to be held at La Loma Vista in Alcalde.

Pallbearers are Christopher Gipson Jr., Martine Dixon, Carlos Sisneros, Leon Gibson, Carlos Zentella, and Annabelle Gasca.

Honorary Pallbearers are his loved and loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Comida will be held at the Hernandez Community Center immediately following the interment services.

Joseph’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the family he loved fiercely, and the faith that guided him throughout his life.

The Family of Joseph Atencio has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477