Joseph Isaac Medina was born on October 27, 1992 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. Joseph was the oldest child to his parents Jose Medina and Cynthia Loza. Joseph attended elementary, junior high and high school in Santa Barbara before moving to Lompoc, CA and starting his adult life.

Joseph worked in a number of kitchens throughout the Central Coast as a very talented chef, one of which is where he met the love of his life. In 2016 Joseph joined his life with Cassie and her three young boys (Franco Jr, Joseph "little Joe" and Adrian) in which he immediately loved and protected as his own. The two later welcomed their two daughters Malia and Aleya. Joseph loved nothing more than spending time with his family.

Joseph's passion for cooking extended far beyond his career, he cooked for many family dinner nights, BBQs and birthday parties just to name a few.

Joseph was always up for a challenge, he even started his own business during a global pandemic. His very popular food truck, The Birria Boyz, was a favorite at local concerts, festivals, breweries and much more. Along side his team Joseph won many awards for his delicious Birria dishes.

Joseph also had a great love for cars, loud music and trying new foods. You always knew The Birria Boyz were at any event if you could hear the music as you arrived. Joseph took great joy in customizing his cars and always found an excuse to order the best car parts. Joseph would find random trending restaurants on social media, load up his family and drive near and far just to try different foods. He loved to support other small businesses.

Joseph was sent to his eternal home on July 2, 2025 in Lompoc, Ca at the young age of 32. Joseph's memory will live on in the meals shared, the stories told, and the love he planted in the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Cassie Jennings, their 5 shared children Franco Aguiniga Jr, Joseph Aguiniga, Adrian Aguiniga, Malia Medina and Aleya Medina. His loving parents Cynthia Loza (Jared Machart), Jose Medina and Jeronimo Duarte (Yvette Duarte). His loving siblings Elias Medina, Grace Medina, Angelina Medina, Gabriel Duarte, Marizah Duarte, Alexsis Duarte, (Mercedes Padilla, Amanda Padilla) many friends, extended family and a community blessed to have known him. His legacy of love, resilience, and community will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 4-8 pm, with a rosary at 6 pm, at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Chapel, 123 North A St, Lompoc, CA 93436. The funeral mass will be on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 10 am at at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 21 E Sola St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, graveside service to follow at Goleta Cemetery, 44 S San Antonio Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. The Reception will be at Cold Coast Brewing,  118 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436, starting at 3 pm.