Pascual Sanchez Oliva

PASCUAL SANCHEZ OLIVA, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Colton on December 7, 2005. An outstanding example of what Tom Brokaw called "the Greatest Generation," Pascual was born in 1917 to Luis and Marina Oliva and grew up in Colton with his brothers, Augustine, Val, Angel, Manuel, Louie, Frank, Rudy and his sister, Stella. A graduate of Colton High School, Pascual began a rem arkable, multiyear career in 1935 as a drummer, first with the Latin Lads and then with the Raul Sanchez Combo. Pascual played Big Band music all over Southern California with famous orchestra leaders like Art Rodriguez and other comtemporaries of Les Brown and his Band of Renown. During WWII, Pascual served with distinction in the Air Corps as a Radio Operator, flying numerous missions to Africa and across the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1945 as a Master Sergeant. After the war, Pas cual married Genevieve Caldera, the love of his life. Taking up a career in community service and politics, Pascual served as a Colton councilman for 6 years, a marshal and was on the Colton Justice Court for 11 years. In 1966, after establishing himself as an articulate liaison between the Latino and Anglo communities, Pascual achieved the remarkable accomplishment of becoming the first Chicano mayor ever elected in Colton. His ground breaking two year term paved the way for succeeding generations of His panic politicians. A trail blazing civic leader, a great story teller, a remarkable chef famous for his incomparable, homemade salsa, and a charming, gracious host, Pascual was universally admired and respected by his community; he embodied the virtues of his generation. We rejoice in his life of music, duty, love and service; we are strengthened in the knowledge that he has joined his beloved wife Genevieve in Heaven where they delight in God's grace and blessings. Pascual is survived by his brothers, An gel, Manuel, Louie, Frank, Rudy and his sister, Stella; his children, Duane, Randy, Gerri, Debra and Deidre; his grandchildren, Tisha, Angel, Alexis, Persephone, Saskia, Adrianna & Alyssa; his great grandchildren, Caitlin, Lauryn, Hayley, Britney, Adrian, Genevieve & Geneise; his in laws, Anna, Lucio, Biff, Carlos & Hazel. A rosary will be held at 7:30 PM, Monday, December 12, Colton Funeral Home, 1275 La Cadena. A memorial service will be held at 9 AM, Tuesday, December 13, at San Salvador Church, 178 W. "K" Street, Colton (909-825-3481). Flower arrangements by "Special Creations by Rose." Burial at Hermosa.