Obituary

May 29, 2002
Obituaries
John M. Nunez John M. Nunez (Mike or Negro), 67, of Santa Paula, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 18, 2002 of cancer. He left immediately for his next boxing event in heaven.John was born December 3, 1934 in Santa Paula to Mike and Margaret Nunez. He attended Santa Paula High School, where he proved himself as an exceptional athlete on the football field on many occasions. John received numerous awards and trophies for his football contributions, and made All County. He graduated from Santa Paula High School in 1953 and attended Taft College, where he continued to play football.John later moved to the Sacramento area, where he worked as a mail carrier until his retirement. While in Sacramento he became involved in boxing when his eldest son was 14. Eventually he was made chief of officials in 1982, and held that position until he returned to Santa Paula in 1998 to take care of his mother.John officiated at ringside for over 30 years. He continued to officiate boxing matches in Southern California. He was especially involved in helping to put on national tournaments around the U.S., working at national and international competitions including Junior Olympic Trials, Olympic Trials, U.S. and Bulgaria and U.S. and Cuba. John officiated at amateur bouts featuring such boxers as Oscar De La Hoya, Steve Cruz and Mark Lewis. On March 16, 2001 John was honored and named to the Northern California Veteran Boxers’ Association Hall of Fame. All of his friends and family were in attendance.John also worked at Isbell School for three years, and constantly spoke highly of the kids. In his journal he wrote the following: “The kids let them know my feelings. The kids I’ve learned to love them. What a bunch of angels.”
John is survived by his wife, Eve Nunez; sons, John K. Nunez and Vincent Sepulveda; daughters, Arlene Spencer, Mona Ochoa, Gloria Fontes, Lina Ayala and Marina Rodrigues; sisters, Elenore Arellano, Patsy Mora and Nancy Pina; brother Michael Nunez; and many spoiled-rotten grandkids and great grandkids.John asked that he be remembered as he was, and requested that no services be held.Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary, Santa Paula.



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