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RAY ABRIL Obituary

RAY ABRIL, JR. Ray Abril, Jr., age 78, a lifelong resident of Colton, CA, passed away peacefully with family at his bedside on December 14, 2010. He was born on June 5, 1932 to Ray Sr. and Nellie Abril. Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hortensia Abril (Gasca) of 53 years, parents, Ray Sr. and Nellie, brothers, Don Abril and Richard (Dickie) Abril. He is survived by his sons, Nick Abril, Michael Abril (Stella) and Dominic Abril; daughters, Melinda Medina (Mike), Becky Gonzales (Ruben) and Nellie Carnero (Joe); sisters, Linda Ramirez (Bear), Rosemary Prieto (Johnny) and Sylvia Abril; also survived by his beloved 19 grandchildren; and his 29 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Visitation and memorial celebration will be held on Monday, December 20 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Colton High School Whitmar Auditorium, 777 W. Valley. A Mass celebration will be held on Tuesday, December 21 at 10:00 a.m. at San Salvador Catholic Church, 178 W. K St., Colton, CA. Graveside services immediately following at Hermosa Gardens Cemetery, 900 N. Meridian Ave., Colton, CA. Family is requesting those who wish may give donations in honor of Ray Abril, Jr., to Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Homeless Closet, Colton, CA. For flowers, Special Creations By Rose, 909/228-5347 or 909/370-3232. Family Funeral Chapel and Cremation, Rialto, CA 909-875-9000. Sign online guestbook at familyfuneralchapel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Bernardino County Sun on Dec. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for RAY ABRIL

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Phyllis Zimmerman

December 22, 2010

My condolences to the Abril family. Ray was bold in his leadership and he was earnest in his humanity. I never met a man so committed to his roots and so proud of his family. He exuded warmth and concern to everyone with whom he came in contact. He leaves a legacy that his family can be proud of. I am priviledged to have known him. His aura brightened my life for a short period of time...but he is absent from the body and now present with the Lord.

December 22, 2010

Mr Ray Abril Jr. was a community pillar, a sterling example for all of Colton, California, and it's youth. Always striving to the betterment of our people and town. He will always be remembered like his honored father, Mr. Ray Abril Sr. He has positively affected many of our lives.
My greatest condolences to all his beautiful family. Adios Mi Amigo,

Major Benito D. Perez, Sr.,USAF (Ret)
Tucson, Arizona (formerly: Colton, CA)

December 21, 2010

Ray was a good example of tenacity and fairness for those of us who spent childhood years with him in South Colton on East N St., "Las Palomas" neighborhood. We had radio, rickety bicycles, and the street for our baseball, hide & seek & "dumb jokes" to entertain ourselves. He showed pride in the accomplishments of others who were serious about their education and jobs. We are proud of his life spent in service to others. Ray will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family.
Dolores (Galvez) Crouter

Richard Carnero

December 20, 2010

The people of Colton were lucky to have a man like Ray Abril in their community. When others were hesitant to voice a controversial point of view, Ray was not. I was impressed with his no nonsense attitude and his ability to communicate his position in a way that people understood and respected. We will all definitely miss Ray. God be with him as he joins his wife Hortensia.

Yolanda Vasquez-Meier

December 20, 2010

May your memories ease your sorrow, Ray spoke so highly and proud of his family. He was so loved and respected what a legacy he has left.

Judy Cuen

December 19, 2010

My heart goes to Ray Abril's family. He was a gentle, generous man and was never to busy to help those who were close to him.
My sympathy to the family. You were never to help those who could not help themselves. We always appreciated you.
Judy Cuen (San Bernardino, CA

Dave JoAnn Santiago

December 19, 2010

Our Condolence to the Abril family, it was great to have grown up with their kids. Mr. Abril was never to busy to give a young man advice in shaping his further. Thank you very much God Bless you From David and JoAnn Santiago (Las Vegas, Nv)

Josie Zavala (Gonzales)

December 19, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Nellie was just telling me a couple weeks ago about your father's fight with his illness. I know the feeling of losing a love one, know that he is a much better place and is no longer suffering. my prayers and thoughts are with you all.

David Toro

December 18, 2010

Ray, I will miss you, I will miss your advice, I will miss the confidence you instilled in me. Even though I only knew you for a short time, your friendship and memories of you will last forever in my life.. Good Bye Ray.

Lynda Hlubik

December 18, 2010

As a new teacher at Wilson Elementary School in 1970, I had the opportunity to meet school board member, Ray Abril. During my tenure at Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Abril sat across the table from me at a parent/teacher conference to discuss the welfare of their child, Nellie, who was in my class. This was the first time that I heard Mr. Abril share the importance he felt of being involved in the school system. His hope was to set an example for his children as to the importance of education and the opportunities that education could bring to enriching their lives.

For many years, Mr. Abril continued as a CJUSD School Board Member to support students in the community. I always knew that I could turn to him for support as well, and again he would share his hope of setting an example for students.

I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to visit with Mr. April this past October at a Wilson School MGM Joint 1973-1976 Class Reunion. That evening, after going around the room sharing life's stories, Mr. Abril and I spoke to each other of how proud we were of our "Wilson Kids" who had become such fine, successful adults.

It is with sincere gratitude that so many students and staff members say thank you to Mr. Ray Abril for his service to the community and our School District, a job well done!

With fond memories,

Lynda Hlubik

Michael Williams

December 18, 2010

Ray was a great man, an effective leader and mentor to many. He was very giving with his time and talents. I am a better person for having known him. We have lost a very special person who made a difference in the world.

John Anaya Sr.

December 18, 2010

My heart go's out the Abril family. Ray was a good a friend I will always miss you at the Colton City Council meeting. I know he will be missed by all those who knew him. Ray was the kind of man who would encourage you to not give up on your dreams. REST IN PEACE my friend?

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