Joseph F. Ceniceros (Papa Joe)

November 12, 1937 – June 06, 2025

Joseph F. Ceniceros (Papa Joe) passed away peacefully from Alzheimer’s on June 6th at age 87, surrounded by family. Joe was known for his humor, kindness, gentleness, generosity, empathy, service to the marginalized, and dedication to his family–particularly his grandchildren. Born in Tucson, Joe grew up primarily in San Antonio. He put himself through both Georgetown undergrad and law school, spending two years in between as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Joe married Judy McNally in 1965, and in 1966 he became the father of twins the day after graduating from law school. In 1967, Joe moved to Oregon with his family to clerk at the Supreme Court. After working with the Multnomah County DA’s office and as an attorney in private practice, Joe was appointed judge for Multnomah County in 1977, becoming Oregon’s first Hispanic justice. He married Charyl Cathey in 1994 and after a highly regarded career he retired from the bench in 1999. Joe and Charyl traveled extensively in retirement and completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain multiple times.

Papa Joe is survived by his wife Charyl, his children Maria Ceniceros and John Ceniceros, his stepchildren Michele Cathey, Andrew Cathey, and Rebecca Wells, and his grandchildren Alec and Ryan Masson, Pasha and Avery Ceniceros, Julian and Gaelen Hamley, Quinn Cathey, and Scarlet and Isla Blue Erksa.

A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in the coming months. More information will be posted on omegaservices.com. Charitable donations can be made to Northwest Pilot Project or Trinity Cathedral Food Ministries.