José died at his home at 12:28 pm. The following fax came at 12:27 pm and was read to him with his family around him:

 

MAR-17-98 TUE 12:27 PM To Jose: Dear friend who was born with Aquarius in the eastern sky, you know you won't lose your way. You know the path by heart. The stars are yours, they pulse your name, those eternal celestial hosts. Along the ecliptic are Virgo in the east, followed by Leo, Cancer, Gemini--with Pollux and Castor as beacons--and Taurus trotting off to the west. The ever-so-long Hydra goes along the southern horizon, with the Raven (Crow) nipping at its tail. Tonight the Milky Way runs south to north with the heavy guns hanging out in the west. There's my favorite winter Warrior, Orion, with Betelgeuse and Rigel shining so bright. Above him is Auriga with Capella ever prominent. Next is that grand hero, Perseus, the defier of Mother-in-Law Cassiopeia, reaching toward his long-lasting lover--yes, ANDROMEDA! Directly on the northern horizon her awesome nebula--that galaxy so like our own--calls you to your new home. The way is clear, and sparkles so bright. My dear friend, Jose, I wish you a wondrous flight. All my love, Diane