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Diego Jose Aja
May 9, 1930-June 9, 2015
Diego Jose Aja, 85, died peacefully in Chula Vista, CA on June 9, 2015. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a longtime resident of Merced County.
Born on May 9, 1930, Diego grew up in Merced Falls and Livingston. He excelled as he advanced thru school. He graduated from Livingston High School where he was senior class president. He attended Modesto Jr. College and graduated from San Jose State College receiving a Secondary Teacher's Credential. Diego majored in language and was fluent in Spanish, English and French.
He married his college sweet heart Dora Hanni on September 15, 1951, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Merced.
Diego served 23 years in the USAF retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He graduated as Honor Graduate of the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Class of 1963. He was Non-Commissioned officer in charge his last three assignments. He served with the Joint Defense Space Communication Squadron in Woomera, South Australia. Diego was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a life member of the USAF Aid Society and NAUS Chapter CA 18 and member of the Air Force Association and Air Force Sergeant's Association.
He was a devoted Lutheran and an active member of many churches as he and his family were stationed in California, Michigan, Colorado and Australia. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Atwater and St Paul's Lutheran Church, Merced.
In high school and college Diego was an accomplished distance runner. He was a family man who enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing with his family. He had a passion for panning gold and the excitement of finding gold nuggets regardless of their size. Diego had a great sense of humor and loved to joke with people.
He leaves his wife of 63 years, Dora; son Andy (Wendy); son Tim (Linda); daughter Terri (Russ); 9 grandchildren; and 4 great- grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jose and Eugenia Aja; brothers Andrew, Julian and Joe Aja and sisters Josephine Ryan and Mary Thomson. He is survived by his brother Louie Aja and sisters Margaret Hogg and Anita Groth and many nieces and nephews.
A private military service with honors was held on July 2, 2015, at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.
www.cvobituaries.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief. Psalms 55 : 22 -
August 7, 2015
I met Diego at Modesto J.C. Great guy. My prayers are with his family.
Ed Garcia
August 5, 2015
Caring thoughts are with .Wishing you God,s peace... ROSE
August 4, 2015
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