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, 2025 at age 87, surrounded by his family. Joe was known for his warm humor, kindness, gentleness, generosity, playfulness, 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 they became the parents of twins the day after Joe finished his law school exams. In 1967 he moved to Oregon with his family to clerk at the Supreme Court. In January of 1972 he joined a law firm in Portland, and two years later started a solo practice on SE Foster Road.

Joe was appointed to the Multnomah County District Court in 1977, becoming Oregon’s first Hispanic justice. He made those who appeared in his courtroom–attorneys, clients, and police–comfortable and was known as a fair and courteous judge who was firm and not bashful about ruling. In 1992 he was appointed to the Circuit Court.

Joe married Charyl Cathey in 1994 and after a highly regarded career he retired from the bench in 1999. Joe’s sense of fairness and justice, along with his desire to make his community and the world a better place for all, informed many of his activities after retirement. He volunteered with Trinity Food Ministries gleaning food from the Oregon Food Bank, joining the “Dishwashers’ Union” for the Wednesday lunch and preparing and serving meals at Transition Projects. The mission trips to Honduras and Nicaragua to build better sanitation systems brought him joy. He also served on the Northwest Pilot Project board and delivered Meals on Wheels.

Papa Joe’s sense of adventure and travel led him to walk the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile walking pilgrimage in Spain– twice with his wife Charyl and twice with others. He once hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, and together he and Charyl hiked the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. They also walked the Wainwright’s Coast to Coast trail from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. Several Cycle Oregon trips rounded out his physical adventures. Traveling in Europe with family and friends – including two extended stays in Italy – was a delight for him.

The highlight of Papa Joe’s life was his time spent with “all things family,” especially the trips with the grandchildren and the family times at the beach house in Cape Meares. He delighted in the annual 4th of July parade with everyone in costume followed by the community potluck and ending with bonfires and fireworks on the beach. So many family memories were made in that special place. The sharing of his Hispanic culture was important to Papa Joe. The annual Tamalada with family and friends taught all of us how to make authentic tamales which are traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve. He was a very special grandfather indeed.

Joe courageously joined the battle with Alzheimer’s disease when he was diagnosed in 2011. He continued to actively engage with his community and activities for many years. He was always willing to talk openly with others about his experience in a way that he thought might be supportive of them. The essence of Joe–his friendly, open way of being–remained a part of him even as the disease progressed. He was surrounded by the loving care of family, caregivers, and the staff at Mirabella, and he in turn returned that love to us. He was an exemplar of the hospitality of “mi casa es su casa” (“my house is your house”) even to the end.

We all miss him but will carry his legacy of loving kindness, generosity, and delightful sense of humor with us always.

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, his first wife, Judy McNally, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Maria Natalia Arroyo, his father Francisco Ceniceros, his stepfather Cesar Arroyo, and his brother Richard Arroyo.

Memorial Service Information

A memorial service for Joe will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2 pm in Portland, Oregon. A celebration will follow in Kempton Hall.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

147 NW 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

(503) 222-9811

(Click above on Memorial Service header for directions)