Jose Antonio Valdez-Albizu passed away unexpectedly at St Luke's Hospital, Kansas City Missouri February 7, 2022.

He was born 1950, the son of Chi Chi Valdez and Luz Valdez in San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic, where he spent his early years. When he was 18 he joined his mother in Puerto Rico. He married Migdalia Santiago. They later divorced.

He joined the Army when he was 21, received numerous recommendations and retired as SFC with 21 years of service. He also served at Dessert Storm.

After retirement he worked for Reese service and Lansing Penitentiary until his retirement in 2002. He was known in Leavenworth as the vegetableman, because he delivered fresh vegetables from the US Penitentiary farm twice a week for free, and everybody was welcome. He really loved it and did it for free. He loved gardening, his pets, swimming winter and summer, and playing poker. He was also a very good cook.

Preceding in death was his father, Chi Chi Valdez and mother Luz Valdez and his brother, Litto.

Jose is survived by his wife, Eva, two sisters, Demaris (Louis) Roberts, Strouburg, PA, and Luisa (Christino) Albizu, Bronx, NY, two daughters Migdalia  (Javir) Vicente, Orlando, Florida, Jossie Phoenix, Arizona, four grandchildren, Michael, Jose, Jennifer, Angelina, five great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be given to Leavenworth Animal Welfare Society.

Burial and Graveside service will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 11 A.M.