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JOHN SOTELO Obituary

TOGETHER AGAIN JOHN MARTIN SOTELO "JOHNNY" Age 84, passed away on August 26, 2009 at his home with family at his side. A life time resident of Riverside, CA. he was the loving husband of Ramona who preceded him in death in 2006. He attended Irving Elementary, University Heights Middle, and Polytechnic "Poly" high schools. Served in the Navy during World War II and he was with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, American GI Forum, was the fist Mexican American to be elected to City Council ward 2 in Riverside 1963-73. He was the business owner of Victoria Auto Towing for 50 years and due to illness of cancer sold the business. He was a member of the Old Farts Car Club. John is survived by his children, Phyllis (Jorge) Salinas, Kenneth, Michael, Cindy Bradley (John) Huskie and 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Alicia Sotelo Garnett; brother, Meliton Sotelo Jr. Services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2009, 9:30am at St. Francis de Sales, 4268 Lime St., Riverside, CA 92501. Burial will be at Riverside National Cemetery, 12:30pm, Staging Area #3. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: RCMAHS, Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society, c/o Johnny M. Sotelo, P.O. Box 21295, Riverside, CA 92516. Tillman Mortuary Funeral Home (951) 682-6433.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Sep. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN SOTELO

Not sure what to say?





Anitra Polk

September 26, 2009

Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about the recent loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God be with you and your family.

alicia sotelo

September 13, 2009

To all the family, Know he will live in us always. And as we share stories as he did, with us .He will live on as his father still does in my heart and some of you.
Phillis and I shared, how we... Thought Johnny would of said this is too much, Granpa Meliton would of said not enough for you son ..And Ramona would of hide from the lime light
They are great treasures and they are all together now
All my love Tia Alicia. Arizona

September 13, 2009

TO MY FAMILY, STAY CLOSE AND ALWAYS REMEMBER WE WILL KEEP HIS STORY'S AND LOVE WITH US AS WE SHARE THEM WITH EACH OTHER AND OUR FRIEND
ALL MY LOVE ,KEEP ME CLOSE,REMEMBER I AM HERE FOR YOU ALL
TIA ALICIA,ARIZONA

john huskie

September 12, 2009

to all the family, so sorry for your loss. for the short time ive known johnny he was able to tell me many stories in his life, some funny, some sad, but i believe the best one was meeting his wife, and he gets to do it again. god bless both of you.

cynthia bradley /huskie

September 12, 2009

To my daddy, i thank you for taking me in as your daughter. i remember when you use to tell me i was your special baby, because of all the babies in the world, i was picked to be yours, and daddy i feel you were the special one! you made me become a very independent person and i thank you from my heart.thank you lord for giving me those last few moments with my daddy. i love you daddy! you could rest in peace now!loving you always, your special baby cindy

Terry Flores Toste

September 12, 2009

Phyllis,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. "Johnny" did so much for so many people, he could never say no to anyone who needed his help. Your mom and dad are together now and I know they are so very proud of you! My deepest sympathy to you and the family. Please let me know if there is anything you need.

Patty Mosby Hitchens

September 12, 2009

Kenneth, My prayers are with you and your family during this time. May you have comfort in God's loving arms. Blessings!

Linda Parada Albidrez

September 12, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was born and raised in the East side and as a child I remember seeing Johnny around. He among others like the Carlos,Lopez,Burrels (not sure of spelling)and many others including my dad Charlie Parada make East side a wonderful place to live.

I for one believe you can take the girl out of the Eastside but you can't take the Eastside out of the girl.

Thanks Johnny, may God bless you and yours.

September 11, 2009

Lala: My prayer's are with all the Sotelo Family at this time of sorrow.Now Uncle Johnny & Aunt Rae are once again together.

Your Cousin's
The Gomez Family (San Bernardino)

Ray "Skin" de la Torre

September 10, 2009

My family even-though they are mostly all gone remember John as a family friend He was the same age as some of my passed siblings.. I also crossed Johnny's path as a youth.. He was a

Super person and so very kind and approachable.. My deepest condolences goes to all of you in his family.

monica avila

September 10, 2009

Hi Phyllis,
I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. Our family (The Escobedo Family) loved having the opportunity to socialize with your parents and siblings over the years. Your mom and dad opened their doors and their hearts to all who entered their home. They are certainly so very proud of you today, for all you have done as a daughter and a member of the Sotelo family. I truly believe that you had such a wonderful example of family value growing up, demonstrated by the last Anniversary party that you helped to facilitate for your parents, forgetting once again about your own celebration(your birthday)just the epitomy of selflessness. On behalf of the Escobedo Family. Just to let you know, I spoke to my dad today,(Ted) he's waiting to hear all the old stories from your dad.
May the lord bless you.
Monica Avila
(Escobedo)

Luana Ybarra Hernandez

September 9, 2009

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family. We know how hard it will be with out your dad, granddad and greatgrand dad. The loss is felt for a long time and his memory will live in your hearts.

Jorge, Lala, & Roy Salinas

September 9, 2009

With your passing we never thought the void would be so big. This to us was so unexpected it came to soon. We still expect to see you and your scooter going across the the pool area or sitting on the porch waiting for the breeze. Our road trips will be lonely, because we won't be hearing "I remember when...."
In my heart I know that you are at peace, and I did everything I could for you. I love you and I will miss you! You will always be forever in our Hearts!!!You always refered to me as your Guardian Angel , but to me I was just your Lalita.
Loving you Johnny and always looked up to you as a father.

Anna Salinas

September 9, 2009

Grandpa, I miss you & Grandma Rae dearly!! I am happy that you are together now, and I am blessed to have all the wonderful memories that you both gave me. I remember and will always cherish the memories you have instilled into me.The memories will live on and I will pass them to my child, my grandchild and great- grandchildren all your wonderful memories. You will always be refered to as Uncle Johnny (by your great-grand son Dion).What a wonderful life and beautiful LOVE you both shared I hope to find that one day. May you both be happy for enterity...I miss you so much!!!
Forever in my heart!!!!
Your loving Granddaughter

September 9, 2009

May you and your family find comfort in this time of grief. My deepest condolences, find peace in your memories of him. Maricela Salinas ( MIssion, Tx.)

Robert (Bobby) Flores

September 9, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

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