Daniel Avila

1927 - 2010

Daniel Avila, 83 of Fillmore, died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010 after a sudden illness.

Daniel was born May 3, 1927, in Los Angeles to Salvador and Jesus Valencia Avila. Dan was one of the pioneer gardeners for 50 years in Fillmore very well known and respected in the community for his professional services. One of his passions was growing orchids and spending time with his son and brothers. Dan served time in the Marines in 1945.

Dan is survived by son, Eugene Avila of Fillmore, and daughter, Mary and husband Juan Jose Pena; grandchildren, Kathleen, Priscilla, Vanessa, Juan Jose Jr.; great-granddaughters, Sofia and Samantha from Cypress, Texas; sisters, Alice Avila Moreno, and brothers, Rojelio and wife Rita Avila, Phillip and wife Jennie Avila , Roy and wife Bertha Avila; and many nieces and nephews. He has gone to join his beloved wife, Carmen, and son, Danny Jr. Avila. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Funeral services honoring the life of Daniel Avila will begin with visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Faith Community Church, 355 "D" Street, Fillmore, with the recitation of the rosary at 7:45 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 West Ventura St., Fillmore. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, also at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Father Arthur Gruszka officiating. Committal and interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery. Providing Military Honors will be the Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 & Korean War Veterans Chapter 56. A reception will follow the interment at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Fellowship Hall. For map and directions to ceremony location and to sign the family's online guest book please visit www.santapaulafuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Funeral Svcs. of Santa Paula, 229-7054.