Henry was born December 25, 1936 in Santa Paula, and resided there for 43 years. During this time he was active in the community in many ways. He was president of the Santa Paula Democratic Club and worked with Cesar Chavez to better the conditions for the California farm worker. He also worked on the Robert F. Kennedy Presidential campaign. He was the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce Industrial Relations Committee chairman and the president of the Santa Paula/Fillmore Board of Realtors. He was also appointed as a state director of the California Association of Realtors. He was a Kiwanis Club member, and the president of the Mexican American Civic Organization (M.A.C.O.).He was a nature lover. He was a bicycler, hiker, boater, camper. Anything that involved an adventure in the mountains he did. Earlier in his life he was in the Armed Forces, he sold real estate, and, to nurture his lifelong love affair with cars and trucks, he had a long and successful career in the car industry. He was a real people person and he never met a stranger. When he wasn’t being a dedicated professional he was usually being a mischievous rascal. He was the owner of “Car City” in Ventura and a co-founder of Tia Babe’s Burritos and Mexican Food in Santa Paula.He is survived by daughters Diane Vela Martinez (husband Jim), Ricci Vela Laureano of Santa Paula, and Debra Libby (husband Jay) of Valencia; longtime devoted companion Evelyn Giammona of Van Nuys; honorary sons John Giammona (wife Heather) of San Diego and Joe Giammona (wife Martha) of West Hills; sister Phyllis Broyles of Idaho; brother John Vela; and many loving cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and very dear friends. His father Henry R. Vela Jr. of Santa Paula, and his brother Ronald F. Vela of Portland, Oregon preceded him in death.The legacy of his spirit will be carried on in his grandchildren, Joe Laureano of Valencia, Chris and Nick Laureano of Santa Paula, Jimmy and Lexie Martinez of Santa Paula, and Jason Libby of Valencia.In lieu of flowers, treat yourself to an enjoyable experience in memory of him.A private memorial service will be held in Santa Paula on October 4th. Arrangements are under the direction of Hollywood Forever Cemetery.Death NoticesAngela S. Osborn, age 43, Santa Paula, former employee of Citizens State Bank, died September 18, 2003. Arrangements by Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary.Edna Mae Robbins, 95, Washington via Santa Paula, died September 21, 2003. Service will be held Saturday, September 27 at the LDS Church of Ojai. Arrangements by Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary.
Obituaries
September 26, 2003
Obituaries
Cecilia E. Vela
Cecilia E. Vela, age 50, of Santa Paula, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 due to an accident on Foothill Road, in the Olivelands area.Cecilia was born in Santa Paula on April 5, 1953 and was a lifelong resident and graduated from the Santa Paula School District. She was a 22-year employee of Ventura County.Cecilia is survived by her husband Gilbert Vela, son James Vela, mother Susan F. Salazar and sisters Dolores Molina, Rose Ramirez, Delfine Johnson, Annette Baca and Deborah Salazar, all of Santa Paula. She was preceded in death by her father Manuel Salazar, cousin Kathy Servin, sister-in-law Peggy Vela and aunt Hopie Gonzales.To Those I LoveAnd Those Who Love MeWhen I am gone, release me, let me go, I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many beautiful years. I gave to you my love. You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown. But now it’s time we traveled on alone.So grieve for me awhile if grieve you must. Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part. So bless the memories within your heart.I won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come.Though you can’t see or touch me. I’ll be near and if you listen with your heart you’ll hear all my love around soft and clear. And then when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and say “Welcome Home.”Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary, 128 S. 8th St., Santa Paula; 525-5595.Henry "Quito" VelaThe loving family and friends of Henry Carlos Vela were at his side on September 15, 2003 when he peacefully left this life after a long illness.
