FREDERICK P. GURULE

Frederick Gurulé was born on March 5, 1945, in Salinas, CA and passed away in Fresno, CA surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, after a courageous two year battle with cancer. Fred's life is a Testament to a Life full of Love. He was born in Salinas but grew up in Lakewood, CA. He enlisted in the US Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict and after an Honorable Discharge in 1968, he enrolled at California State University, Los Angeles where he received a Scholarship as a member of the Gymnastics team and completed his Bachelor's Degree in Spanish Literature. He then was accepted for Officer Candidate School for the US Navy. He was commissioned the summer of 1973. In 1972, while visiting family in Fresno, CA he met the love of his life, Rachel who he married in October of the same year. They lived in Pensacola, FL, during his time in the US Navy. They decided to return to Fresno to be closer to family which has always been a priority in Fred's life. Fred then began his career working with State of California with the EDD in 1974. He would spend almost 30 years working for the State, the last 14 of which were spent with the Department of Corrections as a Parole Agent where part of that time he served on a special task force with the FBI. He also made a lifetime of friends during his career that would prove to be there for him to the last days of his life. Fred had a strong Christian Faith and was very active in the church and the community. He was a founding member of the Fresno Chapter Christians in Commerce. He and Rachel hosted many Seminarian students and foreign exchange students in their home. He was active at St. Helen's church where he taught baptism, pre-marriage, and CCD classes as well as being a Eucharistic minister and was a lector up until he became ill. The most significant part of his life and where he got the most joy would be with his family. He always said once his children were born, his life began. He was a proud father who loved showing his kids the world. Whether it be, traveling, fine dining or just BBQ'ing and swimming in the beautiful backyard that he provided for them. Once Fred and Rachel retired a new chapter began where they traveled the world together like young honeymooners. Fred felt very fortunate to have witnessed the birth of his two grandchildren, Diego and Luciana, which brought another dimension to his family life. Fred's dry humor and quick wit made him notable to many people, especially his family. Even during his illness, he never lost that. Fred will be truly missed by his family, and many friends. Fred is survived by Rachel his loving wife of 42 years; his son, Phillip; daughter Nicole and son-in-law Andy Pitarre; daughter Renee; and his two grandchildren, Diego Gurule and Luciana Pitarre; his parents, Pat and Virginia Gurule; brother Edward Gurule and wife Gloria; sister Anita Burns and husband David, plus many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Salazar. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2014 at St. Helen Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048