Arthur Joe Najera

Arthur Joe Najera, 83 passed away November 3, 2023, at the providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. Private cremation rites were held at St. Alexander Catholic Church, in Cornelius Oregon with his family.

Memorial Services are scheduled to take place in Whittier, California on Saturday December 9, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 pm with a reception to follow.

Arthur Joe Najera “Tudy” was born on September 18,1940 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Ernest Najera and Annie Carnavale who preceded him in death along with his brother John Manuel Najera, Ernest Najera, Jr., and sister Maria De Jesus Najera. He is survived by sisters Anna Maria Rivas and Frieda Cuellar and wife Mary Najera and his daughters, Arlene, Susie, Irene, Luanna, Eleanor, Devon, Jovanna and son Arthur and their spouses. His beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family.

Art was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and after proudly serving as a reserve in the U.S. Army National Guard he settled in Los Angeles, California. He possessed a diligence for keeping busy and so he worked many different jobs that included cooking and bartending. He was a exceptional cook, who hosted great BBQ’s. We will always cherish the memories of his thanksgiving stuffing and homemade biscuits. He eventually found his niche and became a truck driver. Although small in stature no one could maneuver an 18-wheeler like Art! He often proudly boasted about visiting each state at least twice. After many years of driving a big rig and working in the moving industry, he retired in Oregon. He was a boxing enthusiast and a Raider, Dodger, and Laker fan. He enjoyed all kinds of music and in his later years developed a relationship with “Alexa” who always played his favorite songs upon his request. 

In loving memory, we say goodbye to a fun-loving soul who embodied the spirit of happiness and laughter. Although he is no longer with us, his kind heart, his endless supply of jokes, strong work ethic, and his ability to foster friendships will forever remain in our memories. He will be missed and never forgotten.