Dr. Joseph Coelho Santos Jr.

Dr. Joseph Coelho Santos Jr., age 58, went home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2018.

Joe will be affectionately remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to educating youth, compassion for serving others, and commitment to his family, friends, and the community.

Dr. Joseph Coelho Santos Jr. was born on September 21, 1959 in Porterville, California. He was born and raised in Porterville. Dr. Santos met the love of his life Pamela as childhood neighbors. Soon after high school he joined the military and served in the Navy for 4 years. After serving his country, he then returned to marry his childhood sweetheart Pamela on September 5, 1981.

Dr. Joseph Santos had many accomplishments throughout his life. As an educator he obtained many significant credentials; a Teaching Credential from Fresno State; a Masters in Curriculum and Teaching, and a Masters in Administrative Services from Fresno Pacific University. His greatest academic achievement was acquiring a Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration from the University of the Pacific. He was the ACSA Regional President for Tulare County. He received administrator of the year twice in his career. Dr. Joseph Santos was the first principal to open Sequoia middle school, which became a NASA explorer school. In his career he was also vice principal of Monte Vista School and Olive Street Schools, and principal of Monte Vista and Westfield Schools. His passion in education was helping all students find their true potential and succeed in life. Dr. Santos was also dedicated to his Christian faith. He coordinated and taught the youth confirmation program at St. Aloysius Church in Tulare and previously at St. Anne’s Church in Porterville.

Dr. Santos considered the best times of his life to be spending time with family and making memories. He enjoyed many family trips to the beach, fishing trips, and going to as many baseball games as he could. He loved being surrounded by family and friends. He was also an avid reader and always strived to further his knowledge.

Surviving family members includes wife of 37 years Pamela Santos of Porterville; three children daughter Jenna Studinger with husband Trever of Visalia, son Jared Santos with spouse Amandi of Visalia, and daughter Jessica Krigbaum with husband Sean of Porterville; his grandchildren Noah Studinger, Audrey Studinger, Matix Skiles, Beckam Santos, Lexi Krigbaum, and Zayde Krigbaum; sisters Catherine Casares and Patricia Santos; many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Church in Porterville on Wednesday September 12, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. followed by graveside service at 3:15 p.m. at St. Anne’s Cemetery and Celebration of life at 4:00 p.m. at Porterville Fair/expo Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate a donation be made to:

https://dm2.gofund. me/62oouwo . All proceeds will go towards a memorial bench and scholarships for children in the Porterville Unified School District