George Bocanegra's Obituary
George Bocanegra passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on March 4, 2024. He was born on April 17, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and moved to California in July of 1960. He was the eighth of nine children, including his adopted cousin Martin. His parents were Daniel and Rosa Bocanegra.
George attended Lozano Elementary School and Ella Barnes Junior High School in Texas and graduated from James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, California. He then studied Business Administration at East Los Angeles College. He worked as a meat processor for Hoffman Brothers Meat Packing Company for 34 years, retiring in 2004.
George married Ladislada Escarcega on May 30th, 1970 at All Saints Catholic Church in El Sereno, California. They shared 53 years of love and happiness. He was a devoted father to Mando, Gabriel, and Jessica and her husband Thomas Bennett, and a loving grandfather to Xavier, Gabriel II, and Raul. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Aria, Oliver, Eloise and Gianni. He adored his dog Fiona, who was his faithful companion.
George served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1971. He was a helicopter mechanic and served one tour in Vietnam. He received 14 Air Medals (which included over 140 air missions), three of which were combat missions, in which he was awarded the Combat Aircrew Badge. He was a brave and honorable veteran who loved his country.
George had many hobbies and interests. He was a boxing trainer, a Scout leader in the Boy Scouts of America, a baseball coach for Lambert Little League, and a soccer coach for the Whittier Area Youth Soccer League. He was an avid runner who participated in many marathons, half-marathons, and 5K’s. He also helped other runners train for their races. He enjoyed the music of the 60’s, especially Motown music. He loved the outdoors and went camping and hiking often.
George was a kind, generous, and fun-loving person who touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.
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