Heritage Memorial Services Obituaries

Understanding the Importance of Funeral Services at Heritage Memorial Services

Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming task, especially during a time of grief. At Heritage Memorial Services, located at 17712 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647, their compassionate team understands the significance of honoring your loved one's life with dignity and respect. As a trusted funeral home in Huntington Beach, they provide personalized funeral services that cater to the unique needs of each family.

A Brief History of Heritage Memorial Services

Heritage Memorial Services has been serving the Huntington Beach community for many years, building a reputation for excellence and compassion. Their experienced staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that every family receives the care and attention they deserve during a difficult time. With a deep understanding of the local community, they strive to create meaningful tributes that celebrate the lives of those who have passed.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

William James Stephan - April 19, 1936 - October 03, 2021

Departed: 10/03/2021 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: No description available

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Lisa M Perry - July 07, 1969 - March 23, 2021

Departed: 03/23/2021 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Lisa M Perry.

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Juana A. Arancibia - March 29, 1927 - January 26, 2021

Departed: 01/26/2021 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: Juana Alcira Arancibia nació en La Quiaca, en la provincia de Jujuy, república  Argentina. Desde pequeña se destacó en el estudio, llegando a ser abanderada de la Escuela Nacional de Comercio.  Siguió la carrera de Ciencias Económicas en la Universidad de Buenos Aires, luego contrajo matrimonio con Jubencio Arancibia de cuya unión nació su único hijo Gabriel.  Al trasladarse a Estados Unidos alcanzó el grado de Doctora en Letras y se destacó en la docencia como profesora en California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Fundó el Instituto Literario y Cultural Hispánico (ILCH) por el que trabajó con entera dedicación y esfuerzo. Organizó simposios en distintos países de América y Europa. Y dio luz a su hija preferida, la revista literaria académica Alba de América.

Fue autora de Porque es de piedra el corazón de todo, Poesía telúrica del noroeste argentino, Algo que es tierra en nuestra carne, Martínez Estrada: Francotirador, Exploraciones literarias, Diálogo con los creadores y Diario de Tina, la gata niña.

Su loable trabajo queda como herencia para los escritores de habla hispana.

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Alok Kumar - March 02, 1952 - January 19, 2021

Departed: 01/19/2021 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: Remembering Alok Kumar

Our Alok, an embodiment of light, both in name and presence, was taken from this world to shine elsewhere. We were not prepared to live without his brilliance. Naturally, our eyes will take time to adjust to this abrupt darkness. At first we might feel scared, lost, alone, and helpless. But in this void, we will slowly discover that an afterimage of his light still flickers behind closed eyes. In a dream, or a thought, or a sudden flash of inspiration, Alok illuminates inside us. And with time, we will learn to use this incandescent glow to help guide us through the darkness.

Brimming with ideas and an artist’s mind, Alok spent a good part of the past nearly 69 years weaving a tapestry of dreams that would become his life. When viewing this tapestry from afar, we admire how it was threaded with a vibrancy for life. He entered this world as the first son of Chandra Kumar Trikha and Prabha Chandra Kumar in Benares, India. His childhood was spent gallivanting through the streets of this cultural and religious epicenter, relishing the knowledge shared in his home, honing his storytelling and creativity with his three siblings, and oiling the gears of his mind by participating in Boy Scouts and inventing games with neighborhood friends. He wanted to fly, and so he did. During his college days he got in a plane, nearly crashed, but emerged with his solo pilot's license. After graduating from Benares Hindu University (BHU), he followed the call of his dreams and his entrepreneurial spirit by starting a company that designed, manufactured and sold high quality fiberglass products, notably motorbike helmets. He went on to single-handedly launch a branch of his father’s prominent newspaper, Aaj, in the city of Kanpur. This thirst for finding untapped markets and diving deep would eventually take him across the globe, in pursuit of the famed American dream.

In America — the land of dreamers — Alok was in his element. He started a business selling phone-cards while simultaneously lending his newspaper acumen to a community newspaper seeking to establish itself as India Journal. He most recently spent his days as a realtor, helping others achieve their American dream of buying a home. And he was in the process of realizing yet another dream to start his own real estate brokerage firm, learning about blogs and apps in the process. America not only gave Alok the freedom to fly, it gave him the chance to ground his family roots among his siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, and close family friends in Southern California. Along the way, he would encourage and help others, becoming a source of strength and reliability for everyone in his life. We could count on him to be present, patient and knowledgeable in any uncomfortable situation. We could count on him to be the host with the most, serving wines in goblets and margaritas with salted rims. We could count on him to provide rollicking entertainment and humor at any social gathering, reciting dialogues, jokes, or simply laughing with his entire being.

Our Alok, though restless in his pursuits, lived for the moment. He lived many lifetimes in one, because the daredevil in him was never afraid to face setbacks. He was adventurous and took chances that others would not consider. And he taught his daughters to do the same, endowing them with the confidence to face all of life’s challenges. He floated from dream to dream, embedding each moment into the fabric of his tapestry, only to look back and realize that his life was not just filled with dreams, it was a series of lived moments that were dreams fulfilled. More than his pursuit of tangible dreams, Alok will be known for fostering those intangible dreams few are lucky to know in their lifetimes: love, humor, eternal youth, and a zeal for life itself. A family man until the end, Alok’s dreams of love live on: In his wife of nearly 43 years, Shashi, with whom he laughed, sang, danced, and ate to his heart’s content. In his daughters, Ramya and Aishwarya, who are two unwavering branches of his strong and sturdy tree. In his son (in-laws), Adarsh and Arun, who he treated like his own. In his grandchildren Shylah, Ayana and Arshan, for whom he created magic, wonder and the courage to dream big. In his siblings, Kalpana, Amitabh and Anshu, for whom he was a brother and friend worthy of adoration. In his cousins, Valleri and Lena, for whom he was a solid foundation upon which to seek support as a brother, father and friend.

When you stop dreaming, you stop living. And Alok never stopped dreaming. That incandescent glow that we will discover inside us is an echo of all his dreams. And that echo will carry on, bouncing from generation to generation. His progeny will recount the tales of this innovative, charming, energetic, and loving man. They will share stories of how Alok was a child at heart, always inquisitive, always learning, always enjoying life in the moment. We wish our Alok a happy journey ahead and everlasting sweet dreams for him to chase into eternity.

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Guadalupe Zamora - October 13, 1941 - January 14, 2021

Departed: 01/14/2021 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Guadalupe Zamora.

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Maria Lourdes Lopez - November 17, 1943 - January 14, 2021

Departed: 01/14/2021 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Maria Lourdes Lopez.

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Gabriel Zamora - February 23, 1940 - January 05, 2021

Departed: 01/05/2021 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Gabriel Zamora.

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Tanner Joel Knight - October 19, 1979 - December 25, 2020

Departed: 12/25/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Tanner Joel Knight.

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David Lynn Simon - December 31, 1971 - December 25, 2020

Departed: 12/25/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: On Christmas Day, December 25th, 2020, David Lynn Simon, father, companion, friend, and loved one to so many, passed away from a heart attack at the all-too-early age of 48.   David was born on December 31st, 1971 in Westminster, California to Stephen and Susan Simon.  Ever the California boy, David grew up in Orange County where he would reside his entire life.  He attended Garden Grove's Murdy Elementary School and McGarvin Middle School and graduated from La Quinta High School in Westminster in 1990.  He attended community college for some time and worked as a forklift driver before settling into his career as a Quality Assurance Technician.  Originally working on video games at Interplay Productions he later transitioned to a Principal Equipment Technician for Confluent Medical Technologies.  In February of 1994 he married Tina (nee Larizza) and welcomed his only son, Zachary Lynn into the world on June 10, 1994.   David was preceded in death by his mother, Susan.  He is survived by his father, Stephen, his son, Zachary, and long-time girlfriend, Savina Greene.     David will be remembered for his quick wit, friendly nature, and commitment to his family and friends.  From an early age he had a love of comic books, movies, and video games that would last throughout his life.  He maintained many lifelong friendships and always kept in touch with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Most importantly, David had caring and continuous relationships with his father, son, and Savina until the time of his passing.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to know and love him.

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Teresita Otegui Benza - July 18, 1940 - December 16, 2020

Departed: 12/16/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: Teresita del Niño de Jesus Camila Otegui was born at home in Cardenas, Cuba on the 18th of July, 1940 to loving parents Adolfo Daniel Otegui and Petrona Anastasia Otegui. She was preceded in death by her parents and all three siblings: Older brothers Jose Luis and Rafael Otegui, and younger sister Maria del Carmen Gonzalez.

Tere and her family lived and thrived in Cuba, enjoying the beaches, the culture, and a successful family hardware business. Tere met and married her first husband, Frank Aurelio Gomez in 1961 in Varadero Beach, Cuba. Shortly after they wed, Fidel Castro became dictator and confiscated all of the family’s assets. Tere and her new husband took separate routes to leave Cuba, ultimately reuniting in Boston, Massachusetts, where all five of her children were born:  Frank A. Gomez, Jr., Francisco Daniel Gomez, Francisco Xavier Gomez, Francisco Alexander Gomez, and Frances Teresita Gomez (Lutz). The family stayed in the northeast until 1974, when Tere and her five children relocated to Huntington Beach, CA.

As a single mother of five, Tere also cared for her parents, Daniel and Petrona. She filled her house with food, love, laughter, and music - juggling the activities of five busy kids, two parents, and full-time work as a medical assistant. She and her children were very active at St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach, CA, where she met Joseph M. Benza. Tere and Joe were married for 13 years beginning in 1984 and ending with his passing in 1997. Tere took great pride in her Cuban roots, always sharing the most engaging stories that brought her time growing up in Cuba to life to all those around her. She kept her Cuban traditions alive through her cooking, dancing, singing, family gatherings, visiting the beach, and playing the acoustic guitar. Tere was equally proud of her new country - The United States, and was delighted to become a U.S. citizen. Over the years she demonstrated an admirable ability to make the best of any situation, see the best in people and be optimistic even in the most challenging times.  She often credited her unwavering, strong faith and trust in the Lord. She once wrote, “But when I look back and see the great things Our Lord has done for me and my family in the great U.S.A. - a country which I am very proud to be a citizen, I realized that we have never lacked anything. Sometimes we had lots, other times not so much, but I have never gone without HIS protection!”

Upon formal retirement, Tere moved into a wonderful active senior community called Huntington Westminster in 2001. Remarkably, this was the first time Tere had ever lived by herself! In this wonderful community she established a great many friendships and joined numerous activities that filled her life with joy. It was here she met Johnny Dileno, with whom she would enjoy a courtship for the last ten years of her life. She and Johnny loved where they lived, and her kids would joke that they were the “prom king and prom queen” of their complex. They both appreciated the beautiful landscaped grounds and made the most of their activities within their community, as well as visiting family that lived nearby. Tere would sit on her patio listening to birds singing, enjoying the weather and the tranquility.

Above all else, Tere found the most joy in her family and relished her role as a mother and “Grammy”. Tere leaves her loving imprint on 5 children, 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She had unlimited patience and would sit and play with her grandkids for extended hours, creating the most meaningful and lasting bonds. She was never rushed and always took the time to listen - really listen - to those around her. She was deeply loyal and kind, and would brighten up any room with her smile and laughter. She truly celebrated the success and happiness of others.

We will mourn her passing and will miss her profoundly, for she exemplified the best in all of us. The Lord has called her home, where she will reunite with her loving parents and siblings - enjoying the beaches and perfect weather of Heaven.

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John "Bob" Aronson - June 28, 1936 - December 13, 2020

Departed: 12/13/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for John "Bob" Aronson.

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Tanh Phat Lam - April 18, 1929 - December 03, 2020

Departed: 12/03/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Tanh Phat Lam.

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Wilbert Daniel Smith - March 31, 1930 - November 30, 2020

Departed: 11/30/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: Known to most as simply Dan Smith, he passed away from renal failure after a brief illness.  Respected landlord, generous patron of the Pacific Symphony, a world traveler, our adopted “Uncle Dan.” As he himself proclaimed, “Not bad for a little ol’ country boy from Santa Maria.” Dan grew up in Santa Maria, CA but spent a lot of time in hospitals and confined to bed due to osteomyelitus.  The disease left him with one leg shorter than the other, but that hardly slowed him down.  He joined the marching band in high school and traveled the world, alone or in the company of family and friends.  He met his long-time love, Jan Hampton, in the Down One Bridge Club.  The club members socialized frequently, and received recognition for 25 consecutive years of attendance at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, a trip organized each year by Dan.  Dan spent a lot of time alone, but he was never lonely.  He made friends easily and was comfortable around people from all walks of life.  Whether it was an immigrant tenant or a fellow patron of the arts, Dan could talk to anyone. He was successful and confident, but unassuming and humble.  His generosity enriched the lives of many, not the least of which were young people who received assistance with college expenses,  or travel opportunities.  Though only attending a year or two of college himself, he believed in education.  He recognized that,  ”education is expensive,  and not all of it takes place in a classroom.”

Dan is survived by his companion, Jan Hampton, his niece and nephew, Patricia Smith and Russell Smith, sister Marilyn Davis and the Parent Family and Laird-Davies Family, who were also his family in every way but DNA. Funeral Services will be live-streamed by Heritage Memorial Services, Huntington Beach. to view the service, click here: https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160698141488518

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Jacqueline Joy Schweppe - February 02, 1941 - October 31, 2020

Departed: 10/31/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Jacqueline Joy Schweppe.

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Valentin H Ruiz - August 22, 1934 - October 29, 2020

Departed: 10/29/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Valentin H Ruiz.

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Loretta J Brewer - June 05, 1924 - October 18, 2020

Departed: 10/18/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: Loretta J. Brewer,96 or Anaheim California passed away on October 18, 2020.

Loretta was born in Benton, Wisconsin to John F. and Margaret Meloy on June 5,1924. She retired from the Fullerton School District after many years.

She loved to cook, bake, crochet and spend time with her family. Loretta had a great fondness for German Shepherd dogs raising four of them from pups.  Proud of her Irish heritage, she could still do an Irish jig in her 80's.  A big fan of John Wayne, she demonstrated his famous strut at her 90th birthday party.

Loretta is survived by four sons and two daughters-in-law, John Brewer and Carol of Santee, Ca., Bob Brewer and Priscilla of Riverside, Ca, Tom Brewer of Wyoming, MN and Jim Brewer and fiance Lori Kelly of St.George,Utah as well as 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by husband Harold (Bill) Brewer, daughter Kathi Hlavac of Flagstaff.AZ and son William (Scott) Brewer of Concord,Ca.

A family memorial is planned.

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Juanita Feliciano Balisalisa - September 08, 1927 - October 07, 2020

Departed: 10/07/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Juanita Feliciano Balisalisa.

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Willy Dendekker - June 11, 1940 - October 04, 2020

Departed: 10/04/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Willy Dendekker.

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Margaret Hatsume Kumagai - September 04, 1923 - September 28, 2020

Departed: 09/28/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: Margaret Hatsume Kumagai, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 28, 2020 at age 97 in Irvine California with her loving daughter and son-in-law attending to her comfort after living with Alzheimer’s Dementia for several years.  Margaret lived a full and long life through the great depression, WWII, and the Japanese internment camps.  She was a talented artist and an avid golfer.

Margaret, the second of six children, was born on September 4, 1923 to Jutaro and Mashi (Hayami) Horikawa in Riverside California where she grew up and attended school in a rural farming community until the Horikawa family was relocated to the Poston Relocation Center in Arizona during the Second World War.  Upon release, Margaret moved to the greater Chicago area where she found employment.  Margaret loved shopping, going to the theatre, and the movies with her girlfriends during her time off from work.  While in Chicago she met her future husband Joey Yasuo Kumagai in church.  The two were married on July 3, 1948.

After the war Margaret and Joey settled in Ohio where Margaret worked putting Joey through Case Institute of Technology.  After Joey graduated they were blessed with two loving children, Nancy and Paul.  In 1959 the family moved to California, and except for a year in Wisconsin they resided in Southern California.

Margaret loved art and was always trying her hand at different forms including drawing, painting, block printing, ceramics, and even stained glass.  She attended Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles at the pinnacle of her pursuits and became accomplished at charcoal drawings and oil paintings.

As much as Margaret loved art her main passion had to be golf!  Margaret golfed whenever she could and even scored a hole in one at Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course, which was published in the Orange County Register, a golfer’s dream.  She was a member of the SeaCliff Country Club but she enjoyed playing courses anywhere she could get a tee time.

In between keeping the household and golf Margaret loved to tend to her garden where it seems everything she touched magically grew.  Her garden ranged from vegetables, fruits, fruit trees, to beautiful cymbidium orchids like her mother used to grow.   Whatever Margaret touched flourished, she was well known as a “healer” bringing family members plants back to life.

Margaret was also known as an amazing cook, like all the women in her family.  A few of the family favorites include her Carrot Cake, Pressed Duck, and her delicious Pies.  Margaret loved her desserts and we loved her making them.

Margaret was preceded in death by her father and mother Jutaro and Mashi Horikawa, her brothers and sisters Jack Horikawa, Henry Horikawa, Ruth Minato, Mina Goto, Jane Murakami and her husband Joey Kumagai.  She is survived by her daughter Nancy Ann Kumagai (Thom) Belford, her son Paul Wayne (Dena) Kumagai, her grandsons T. Andrew Belford, Kyle Anson Belford, and Christopher Joseph “C.J.” Kumagai and her great grandsons, Alexander Makoto Belford, Nicholas Akira Belford, and Canon Israel Salas-Belford.

Margaret was a very giving and kind person and always eager to help others.  Our family loves her dearly and deeply misses her.

The family will be bringing Margaret back to the city of Riverside where she was born, per her wishes, to be interred with her husband Joey in a Columbarium Niche at the Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Ca 92513. Phone: (951) 653-8417.  Niche Location: Section CP Row F Site 36.

Due to COVID no service will be held at this time.  We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

If you would like to honor Margaret’s memory, the Kumagai and Belford families suggest a donation in Margaret’s memory to Alzheimer’s Orange County at https://www.alzoc.org/get-involved/donate/.

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Margaret Ernestine Harless - June 27, 1929 - September 18, 2020

Departed: 09/18/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Margaret Ernestine Harless.

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Edward J Zschoche - August 14, 1942 - September 15, 2020

Departed: 09/15/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: Edward John Zschoche, 78, of Huntington Beach, California, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2020 in his home in Huntington Beach. Ed is survived by his three sons, Michael, Jonathan, and William; siblings Donald, Walter, Richard, and Joyce; and grandchildren Shakila and Shinayah.

Ed was born in 1942 to Walter Max Zschoche and Dorothy Mary Fitzgerald, the eldest of five children. The family lived in Nutley, New Jersey until February 1956 when they took up residence in Monrovia, California where Ed attended Monrovia-Duarte High School and graduated in 1960. After serving 6 years in the Army National Guard, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Education from California State University, Los Angeles. He worked as a teacher for the Los Angeles School District and was the union Chapter Chair for many years until taking the position of Dean of Students and then Assistant Principal at Henry T. Gage Middle School in Huntington Park. He was also active in the United Teachers of Los Angeles where he served on the UTLA Board of Directors and represented 5,000 teachers as the South Area Chair. He was a delegate in the CTA State Council and a delegate for the NEA Representative Assembly where he was a member of the Issues Committee. During his long career in public education Ed dedicated himself to the rights of students, teachers and parents, modeling collaboration and cooperation within the school system.

Ed had explored much of the world in his adult life. His travels took him extensively through North American, Europe and Asia—and even the Arctic and the Antarctic.

Ed enjoyed football, attending baseball games, U.S. history, model trains, and community outreach. During his retirement he was a docent for Amigos de Bolsa Chica.

A wake will be held at Heritage Memorial Services, 17712 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647 on Sept 25, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass at Sts. Simon & Jude Church, 20444 Magnolia Street, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646 on September 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Interment to follow at Good Shepherd Cemetery 8301 Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646.

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Robert F. Bates - December 14, 1937 - September 09, 2020

Departed: 09/09/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: Viewing Livestream : https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160084869378090

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Kenneth Waldo Butterfield - November 30, 1930 - August 28, 2020

Departed: 08/28/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Kenneth Waldo Butterfield.

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William S Romo - November 24, 1930 - July 27, 2020

Departed: 07/27/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: William S. Romo, 89 of Hungtington Beach, California passed away Monday July 27th surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on November 24, 1930 in Los Angeles, California. The son of the late William Sharman and Frances (Wilson) Romo. Bill served in the United States Airforce. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He worked as a Contract Administrator for many companies over the years, last working for ADP. Bill is survived by his wife, Margaret M. (Wallace) of 62 years; their three children Frances Cory, Steve Romo and Tracy Romo. Grandchildren Angela Hinkle, Nikki Bateman, Nick Romo, David Cory, Kristi Bridges, Misti Cory, Ryan Rehart, Craig Taylor, and Brittany Rehart. 24 great children and 2 great great grandchildren. Bill was a hard worker, he was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Condolences can be sent to the Heritage memorial services in Huntington Beach, CA or make a donation to the Cancer Society.

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Mario S. Bonura - September 14, 1929 - July 04, 2020

Departed: 07/04/2020 (Huntington Beach)

Obituary Preview: MARIO SALVINO BONURA, passed away peacefully at his home in Seal Beach, California on July 4, 2020, at the age of 90.

Mario was born in Los Angeles, California to Francesco Bonura (Sicily) and Josephine Baiano Bonura (Italy) on September 14, 1929.  Mario graduated from Loyola High School in 1947, was in the ROTC, and graduated from Loyola University in 1952 earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mario worked as an Engineer for over 53 years, working for Douglas Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas (Astronautics and Space Systems), Bechtel Power, and Boeing.  Mario received several recognitions and awards for his technical findings, knowledge, and writing of advanced technical literature and was involved with many space programs including Apollo and the International Space Station.

Mario enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and his dog(s).  He enjoyed vacationing, travel, nature, backpacking, fishing, barbecuing, tinkering, puzzles, fireworks, military planes, civil war history, creating topographical maps, reading the newspaper daily, surfing the internet, and writing strongly worded letters on topics that heated him up, with many of his letters being published in the newspaper.  Mario and his wife Joyce were active with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and involved with several charities.

Mario is survived by 3 children: Christopher, Victoria, and Maria (Joe); 3 grandsons: Clayton, Jacob, and Adam; and 1 cousin Yolonda.  Mario is also survived by his brother-in-law James, sister-in-law Patricia, and nieces Kimberly and Susan (Don) of his wife’s family; and his nephew Charles of his brother’s family.

Mario is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Joyce Wheeler Bonura.  Also preceded by Francesco (father), Josephine (mother), Aldo (brother), Vana Earle (sister-in-law), Salvino Baiano (Uncle), Charlotte Pierce Baiano (Aunt), and Michael Baiano (cousin).

Mario had always been a gentle man, his infectious smile, upbeat attitude, and quick wit will be missed by all.

Funeral mass held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Costa Mesa on August 6th with graveside service and interment following at the Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach.

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Personalized Funeral Services at Heritage Memorial Services

At Heritage Memorial Services, they believe that every life is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individual's personality, interests, and accomplishments. Their funeral directors work closely with families to design customized funeral services that honor their loved one's memory. From traditional funerals to cremation services, they offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Cremation Services at Heritage Memorial Services

For families who prefer cremation, Heritage Memorial Services provides dignified and respectful cremation services. They understand that cremation is a personal choice, and their experienced staff will guide you through the process with sensitivity and care. From direct cremation to memorial services with cremation, they offer a variety of options to meet your needs.

Funeral Pre-Planning at Heritage Memorial Services

Planning ahead for your own funeral or that of a loved one can be a wise decision. At Heritage Memorial Services, their pre-planning experts will help you make informed decisions about your final arrangements, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your family is protected from unnecessary stress. By pre-planning, you can also lock in costs at today's prices, avoiding future inflation.

Grief Support and Resources at Heritage Memorial Services

Losing a loved one can be devastating, and the grieving process can be long and challenging. At Heritage Memorial Services, they recognize the importance of supporting families beyond the funeral service. They offer bereavement resources, including counseling services and support groups, to help you navigate the healing process.

The Facility and Amenities at Heritage Memorial Services

The funeral home's facility is designed to provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for families to gather and celebrate their loved one's life. The spacious chapel can accommodate large gatherings, while intimate visitation rooms offer a private setting for smaller groups. Ample parking and convenient accessibility features ensure that all guests can participate in the funeral service.

Why Choose Heritage Memorial Services?

In Huntington Beach, there are many funeral homes to choose from, but Heritage Memorial Services stands out for its commitment to excellence, compassion, and personalized service. Their experienced staff, beautiful facilities, and range of services make them an ideal choice for families seeking a dignified and meaningful tribute for their loved one. By choosing Heritage Memorial Services, you can trust that your family will receive the care and attention they deserve during a difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It often includes details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with friends, family, and community. They provide an opportunity to honor and celebrate the person's life, and offer a sense of closure for those who are grieving.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend writes the obituary, but it can also be written by a funeral home or other entity responsible for handling the deceased person's arrangements.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about their accomplishments, awards, or notable achievements.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's usually between 100-500 words. The most important thing is to include the essential information and highlights of the person's life.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online obituary platforms allow you to include one or more photos of the deceased person. This can help make the obituary more personal and meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to find out their submission guidelines and deadlines. Some newspapers may have online submission forms or email addresses where you can send the obituary.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance, often as part of their estate planning or as a way to have control over how they are remembered. This is sometimes referred to as a "self-written" or "advance" obituary.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a longer, more detailed tribute that celebrates the person's life.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the person who has passed away. Including humorous stories or anecdotes can help make the obituary more engaging and memorable.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. Some may charge by the word or line, while others may offer package deals or discounts for online publication.

Can I publish an obituary online only?

Yes, many online platforms and funeral homes offer the option to publish an obituary online only. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional print publication.

How long will an online obituary remain available?

This varies depending on the platform or website. Some may keep obituaries online indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period of time.

Can I make corrections to an already published obituary?

If you need to make corrections to an already published obituary, contact the newspaper or online platform directly. They may be able to make changes or issue a correction notice.

What if I want to keep my loved one's obituary private?

If you prefer not to share your loved one's obituary publicly, you can opt for private publication or share it only with close friends and family through email or social media.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial information in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased person's legacy.

How do I find an old obituary from years ago?

You can try searching online archives or contacting local libraries or genealogical societies for assistance. Some websites also offer paid services to search for and retrieve archived obituaries.

Can I republish an old obituary on social media or a website?

If you have permission from the original publisher or copyright holder, you can republish an old obituary on social media or a website. Be sure to cite the original source and respect any copyright restrictions.

What if I'm struggling to write an obituary due to grief or emotional distress?

It's okay to take your time and seek support from friends, family, or a professional writer if needed. You can also consider writing a draft and revising it later when you're feeling more emotionally prepared.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes, lyrics, or poems can add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the person's personality or spirit.

How do I ensure that my loved one's obituary is accurate and respectful?

Take your time to review and proofread the obituary carefully before submitting it for publication. Consider having multiple people review it as well to catch any errors or inaccuracies.

What if I'm unsure about what information to include in an obituary?

Contact a funeral home or bereavement counselor for guidance on what information is typically included in an obituary. You can also look at examples of other obituaries for inspiration.

Can I create a digital archive of my loved one's life stories and memories?

Yes! Many online platforms and memory books allow you to create a digital archive of stories, photos, and mementos celebrating your loved one's life.

How do I handle condolences and messages from friends and family after publishing an obituary?

You can respond personally to each message, or designate someone else to handle condolences on your behalf. Consider creating a memorial page or guestbook where people can leave messages and share memories.