Conrad Gloria Sr.

CONRAD GLORIA SR.
"BLACKIE"
11/26/28-9/18/12

Conrad Gloria Sr. "Blackie" was born on November 26, 1928 in Brawley, CA and left us to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 18, 2012 at age of 83.

He attended Miguel Hidalgo Elementary School (Brawley), Galen Clark Elementary School (Merced) and completed 10th grade while in Brawley. At an early age Conrad, began work as a farm laborer. He picked cotton, figs, and tomatoes. Conrad became a foreman and eventually was a truck driver for Chester Tsuchihara in Merced. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 30, 1950. Conrad, known as "Duke" to his army buddies, proudly served his country as an SP. He was honorably discharged on September 14, 1954 with the rank of Corporal and received the National Defense Service Medal.

After his discharge, he began a lifelong career as a self employed businessman. Conrad met his wife, "la Única", Aurora "Dorie" Borroel and was a faithful and devoted husband for 53 years. He was also a loving and patient father to Tina, Conrad Jr. and Yolanda. Conrad was a generous and kind "Papa" to Greg III, Erika, Macey, Melody and Joshua. He was a wonderful son, brother to Ofelia, cousin, friend and dear uncle to many. Conrad loved and served his family, friends, his country and community. He served his as a Planada Elementary School Board Member and on numerous committees with the goal of making life better for everyone.

Special thanks to all who have visited us and brought food. To Conrad's "primo", Tommy Gonzales, who came often to provide barber services at his bedside and to his best amigo, Christian Navarro who wrote words of encouragement during Conrad's illness we deeply appreciate all you did.

Conrad was preceded in death by his only son, Conrad Gloria Jr.; his parents, Pablo and Angelina Gloria; and brothers, Apolinar, Pablo and Luis.

He leaves behind his "number one", Dorie; children, Tina (Greg) Ruelas of Merced and Yolanda (Sam) Colunga Jr. of Fresno; five grandchildren; sister, Ofelia; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 23rd at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 9317 E. Amistad, Planada, CA from 5:00pm-6:00pm with Recitation of Rosary at 6:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 24th at 9:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Planada with internment to follow at 11:00am at Calvary Cemetery.

Conrad's legacy is one of love, generosity, kindness, patience and service. We miss him terribly, but we'll see him again very soon. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8