Joseph Eugene Mesa, M.D., 79, passed away on August 14, 2026, after a life defined by devotion to his family, his patients, his faith, and the practice of medicine.
Joseph was born on August 4, 1947, in Florida, Camagüey, Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution, he came to the United States on February 2, 1963, as a young refugee and spent time at Camp Matecumbe. Through perseverance, intelligence, and determination, he went on to become an orthopedic surgeon and devoted more than four decades to caring for others.
Nothing, however, mattered more to Joseph than his family. He was a provider in every sense of the word. His family knew that whatever happened, Dad would be there. His life revolved around making sure the people he loved were cared for, protected, and knew that they were loved. He taught his family unwavering loyalty.
Joseph was a devoted Roman Catholic. He loved God and prayed the Our Father in Spanish each day. A book by Mother Teresa that he read from daily remained beside his bed until the day he died.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Michelle Mesa; his son, Joseph Mesa, and daughter-in-law, Cameron Mesa; his siblings, George Mesa, Evans Hubbard, and Connie Hubbard; his sister-in-law, Heather Proffitt; his nephew, Quaid Proffitt, and niece, Aven Smith; and his parents-in-law, Angie and Charles McCoy.
He also leaves behind a grandchild on the way. He knew that new life was coming and dearly hoped to be here to see it. Although he will not hold that child in the way he and his family had hoped, his stories, values, humor, faith, and extraordinary love for his family will be passed on to a generation he helped make possible.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Estrella García and José Mesa; his foster parents, Ruth and Frank Hubbard; his cousin, Beba González; and his grandmother, Amada de la Cruz García.
Joseph came to this country as a Cuban refugee and became a surgeon. He spent his life healing people, providing for his family, practicing his faith, and refusing to give up. His family is proudest simply of the man he was: a remarkable doctor, a devoted husband, and an extraordinary dad.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday August 21, 2026 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Madisonville with Father Steve Hohman and Bro. Scott Casebier officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the service time Friday at the church.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Mesa, Quaid Proffitt, Joshua Casebier, Isaiah Smith, Matt Riley, and Chase Fisher.
Comments