DOWNEY - Joe Muniz, a member of the Downey Elks Lodge, died peacefully Dec. 27 after suffering a stroke.He was 74 and leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Marvel. He was born June 4 in Colorado, graduated from Gardena High School, and raised his family in Long Beach and Cerritos. He was in the woodworking industry for more than 45 years, starting as an apprentice and becoming a partner in Taylor Bros. Stair Company until their closure. Joe also created the PCSA, promoting one of the largest shuffleboard tournaments in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Lisa Taylor (Ken Flees) and Jodee Peko; grandchildren, Jessica Taylor, Cristina Taylor-Gentile (Carlo), Brittany Taylor, Chase Dowe and Justina Peko; brother, Rudy (Liz) Muniz; mother-in-law, Marion Ward; Uncle Fred; and many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be held Friday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church in Cerritos followed by a celebration at the Downey Elks Lodge.

********** Published: Jan. 2, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 38