Jess J. Quintero, American patriot

Jess J. Quintero, 82, of Harbeson entered eternal rest Thursday, July 9, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes after a lengthy illness.

Jess was born June 9, 1938, in Fresno, Calif., the second of six children. He joined the Army, served one tour, and then joined the Air Force. He served in Guantanamo Base, Cuba, when Castro was a rebel.

Jess was a “People Person” and very active in the Hispanic-American Community, organizing and marching with Cesar Chavez, United Farm Workers of America; also active in LULAC, Hispanic War Veterans of America, American GI Forum, Hispanic Police Command Officers Association, and numerous veterans and community organizations. He was a true American patriot.

He retired from the federal government as assistant director of immigration affairs, Community Relations Service, Department of Justice; he also held senior-level positions with the Peace Corps, Dept. of Interior, Dept. of Housing & Urban Development and Dept. of Commerce. He also worked at Catholic Charities of Delaware, La Red Health Center, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes.

Jess is survived by his wife Joyce; brother and sisters: Salvador, Socorro and Rita; children: Jess Jr., Vincent, Patrick, Martyn, Margarita, Susie and Mike; 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made in Jess’ name to National Kidney Foundation by visiting www.kidney.org.

A Memorial Service will be at Melson Funeral Home, Long Neck Road, Millsboro, at a later date to be determined. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., at a future scheduled date.

Online condolences can be left by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.