Gregorio D. Alavazo

Stockton, CA

May 10, 1915 - July 19, 2006

Mr. Gregorio D. Alavazo, 91, passed away in a local hospital on Wednesday, July 19, 2006. Dad came to the United States at age 19 and worked as a field hand until Word War II when he enlisted in the Army - he had to lie about his age as he was too old to join. He obtained his American citizenship in 1943. He served in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He lived in Stockton since 1944 where he first tried farming, but "that was very hard labor and not very profitable," so he went to work for Tracy Defense Depot until his retirement. Dad loved his cockfights, boxing, fishing, baseball, and especially cooking. He was an avid S.F. Giants fan. Dad always started his day with a Sambo's cup of black coffee. In later years he enjoyed his cup of coffee at McDonald's and then on to card playing (poker and rummy) at the Ilo Ilo Circle. God now has a great chef! He was a member of St. Luke's Church, and American Legion Manuel Rojas Post #798.

He was the beloved husband of Fidela Alavazo. He raised a family of ten children and step children: Juanita Hall, Linda Lazaro, George Alavazo, Clare Mayberry, Arlene Teczon, Aurora Maramag, Ben Maramag, Russell Maramag, Clement Maramag and Christine Siador. He was the dear grandfather of James Hall, Rickey Hall, Ricardo Lazaro Jr., Arthur Lazaro, Gregory Alavazo, Angela Argarin, Nicole Clavejo, Michelle Schuessler, Larry Lazaro, Alex Lazaro, Stacey Teczon, Leslie Hipolito, Danielle Seibel, Russell Maramag III, David Maramag, Tommy Maramag, Beverly Maramag, Ashley Maramag and Tristan Cole Bacani. He is also survived by 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Wakefield and his second wife, Esther Alavazo. Friends and family are invited to attend a Rosary Service on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at DeYoung Shoreline Chapel, 7676 Shoreline Drive, Stockton, CA 95219. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 3847 N. Sutter, Stockton, CA 95204. Visitation will be Monday, July 24, 2006 at DeYoung Shoreline Chapel, from 11:00 a.m until 7:00 p.m. Committal at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery.