Joe Tony Mercado

Joe was born on May 18, 1956, to Connie and Tony Mercado, in Salt Lake City Utah. Joe attended East High School, and in the fall of 1974, he met the love of his life, Catherine Furness. The two were inseparable, starting a family and getting married in 1976. By 1980, they had three children, Melissa, Isabel, and Cassey. Joe and Catherine chose the Sugar House and Millcreek areas to raise their family. Joe worked for Coca Cola for ten years, before becoming a driver for numerous companies delivering their products throughout northern Utah, and later retiring.

Joe loved spending time outdoors, camping with his family when his girls were young, sitting on the bank of a river eating watermelon, leisurely driving through the Utah canyons, and hunting. Joe enjoyed the company of his friends he made at the local pub. His favorite pastime was fishing Strawberry Reservoir, where many fish were caught, and even more memories made. Joe also enjoyed watching his teams play, the Chicago Bears and the Boston Celtics were his favorites.

Joe was preceded in death by his grandmother Raphaela Mata, who he considered his mom, grandfather Leonard Mata, mother Connie Tanaka, stepfather Henry Tanaka, father Tony Mercado, stepmother Gloria Mercado, brother Fermin "Junior" Miera, brother-in-law Richard Brown, and sisters Delphina Miera Sanchez, Rosa Tanaka, and Lupe Pena.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years, Catherine Mercado, daughters Melissa Mercado Lovato (Bryan), Isabel Mercado, and Cassey (Josh) Bertagnolli. In addition, Joe had thirteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Also surviving are Joe's sisters, Mary "Nena" Brown, Irene Mercado, Olivia Tanaka Benavidez (Oscar), and brother Charlie Tanaka.

Joe's Celebration of Life will be on Friday, April 26 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, located at 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek.