HECTOR NUNGARAY NAJERA

HECTOR NUNGARAY NAJERA

Aug. 26, 1931 - Jan. 17, 2013

Lifelong Calexico resident Hector Nungaray Najera, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, children, and granddaughter on Thursday, January 17, 2013.
He is survived by his wife Noemi Loces Najera; sons, Hector Najera Jr. (Myrna Gonzalez), Ruben Najera (Raquel Tellez), Pablo Najera; daughters, Sandra Najera Diaz (Javier Diaz), Martha Najera De Lira (Tony De Lira), Elda Najera and Teresa Najera Calero (Richard Calero); 19 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren, his sister Norma Moreno of Valinda, CA and brother, Alfonso Sanchez of Calexico, CA.
Hector was born in Los Angeles, California to Vicente and Olga Najera. Hector attended schools in Calexico. At age 17 he made his way to a recruiter's office and joined the United States Army where he attended Infantry School, reaching the rank of Sergeant while serving in combat during the Korean Conflict. After leaving the service, Hector returned to Calexico and married his sweetheart Noemi Loces, they celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary January 4, 2013. After working for Wade Distributing in El Centro for several years, Hector went on to become a successful businessman. His businesses included distributor of restaurant supplies, electronic stores and a hotel and restaurant in San Felipe, Mexico. In his early years, Hector was a member and officer of the 20-30 Club heading several projects benefiting children in both the Calexico and Mexicali Valleys. He later joined the Calexico Lions Club serving both as member and President. His efforts benefited the Local Calexico Orthopedic Clinic and the Lions Club Blind Centers Program. Hector also had a great passion for politics never backing off from a friendly argument. He was a candidate for City Council with platforms concerning local drug abuse and environmental issues. Hector was at Cesar Chavez' side when the Farm Workers Union Leader spoke in Calexico in favor of nonviolent protests during his hunger strike.
Hector will be remembered as being caring and generous; a loving father and husband who put his family before anything else.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2013 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Calexico. Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Calexico. Rev. Emilio A. Magana will be officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. View Cemetery in Calexico.