Jose Maria Palafox

Jose Maria Palafox, Jr., M.D., of El Paso passed away peacefully on September 25, 2009. He was born in Mexico City on April 6, 1929. He is survived by his wife Maria Dolores Palafox; sons Reynaldo Nungaray, II. (Mary), Jorge Nungaray, Sr., Alexander Nungaray, Martin Palafox, and Joseph Palafox (Andrea); daughter Lisa Palafox Diaz (Ralph); grandchildren Chaz Nungaray, Reynaldo Nungaray, III., Stephanie Nungaray, Jorge Nungaray, Jr., and Hayley Palafox; brothers Fernando Palafox (Virginia) and the late Dr. Mario Palafox (Margaret); sisters Olivia Keeth, Argelia Palafox and Lily Casso; numerous nieces and nephews; and many wonderful and generous friends. A graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University Pharmacy School and U.N.A.M. Medical School in Mexico City, Jose Maria worked as a pharmacist for 45 years. In 1995, Jose Maria was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements in basketball beginning with El Paso High School’s 1947 Texas State Championship, where he was named All-State; at Tyler Jr. College, he was named as a Junior College All-American after winning the Junior College National Championship, after being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Jose Maria was a member of the Brooke Army Medical basketball team, which won the Fourth Army tournament, and where he was named to the all-star team; after his Army Service , he continued playing and was named to the AAU All-Star team; he moved to Poza Rica, Veracruz, Mexico and played on a team that won first place in the Mexican national tournament, and he was selected to the Mexican Olympic team—accomplishing the feat of winning two national championships for two different nations. Jose Maria will be missed for his enormous spirit, optimism, and never-ending sense of humor. Visitation was held from 5:00-9:00 pm, Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home-West with a Vigil at 7:00 pm. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 2, 2009 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.