Joseph Quintana

🕊️ Obituary for Joseph Quintana (9/28/1948 - 10/31/2025)

Joseph Quintana, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and successful New Mexico entrepreneur, passed away peacefully at home in Santa Fe, NM surrounded by family on October 31, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy defined by hard work, dedication to his family, and a genuine warmth that touched everyone he met.

Joseph was born on September 28th, 1948 in Española, New Mexico, to the late Pete and Julia Quintana. It was there that he learned the values of persistence and community that would guide his life and career.

A Legacy Built on Beef Jerky and Relationships

Joseph spent 19 formative years working in distribution for Quality Imports. Drawing on the experience and valuable connections he gathered during that time, he bravely struck out on his own and founded Casa Blanca Beef Jerky in Santa Fe, NM, in 1988.

Under his guidance, Casa Blanca became a USDA-approved operation, eventually serving over 140 convenience and grocery stores across New Mexico. Joseph's success was rooted in his personal touch; he insisted on personally distributing to 80% of the locations bi-weekly. He took the time to establish personal relationships with every client, always pausing to ask how they were doing—a gesture of kindness that turned business associates into friends.

Joseph grew Casa Blanca through personal relationships and hard work for 35 years. His commitment to quality and connection has preserved his legacy as the business continues to grow and serve customers nationally.

The Heart of the Family

While his business thrived, Joseph always prioritized his family. He cherished his weekly Thursday tradition of driving his Española route, which was incomplete without stopping by his mother Julia's, his brothers', sisters', and nephews' homes to share a meal, exchange stories, and catch up on family updates. Joseph also enjoyed using time on his routes for a little fun, occasionally stopping by the casinos to test his luck at the slots, often relying on "free play" from Rosella's and Manny's player cards.

Family Survivors

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Julia Quintana, his brothers Max, Bobby, Julian, Tim, Roland, and Gene Quintana, and his compandre Billy Joe Hernandez.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosella Quintana, his devoted daughter Cathy and son-in-law Michael Hernandez. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Michael (Alicia), Vanessa, Anthony, Bianka, and Zoe Hernandez, and great-grandchildren: Matteo, Catalina, and Kiara.

He will be dearly missed by his sisters: Patricia Murray, Julia Martinez, Cristella Maestas (Leland), Dolores Martinez, and Irene Martinez, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and his best friends Manny Griego and Isaac Martinez.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 10th from 5-7pm at Rivera Family Funeral Home, Kiva Chapel of Light at 417 E. Rodeo Rd. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 11th: Viewing from 9am-10am, Service starting at 10 am at Blaze Christian Fellowship, 6 Bisbee Ct, Santa Fe, NM. Celebration of life to follow @ Blaze Christian Fellowship. Updates on burial date will come from family at a later date