John Garcia Serrano, Sr.

John Garcia Serrano, Sr., 73, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at his home in Moreno Valley, California. A Vigil will be led at 9am and Mass celebrated at 10am on Friday, August 30, 2019, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 8545 Norwalk Blvd., Whittier, California. Interment will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Rosemead, California.

Born November 14, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, to John Escamilla and Josephine (Garcia) Serrano, John was the 5th of five children. He grew up and went to school in Los Angeles, graduating from Huntington Park High School. He met the love of his life, Rachel Lopez, and they were married on April 11, 1963, also in Los Angeles. After a short time in LA, Maywood, and Santa Fe Springs, John and Rachel settled in Whittier, California, where they raised their four children, John Jr., Edward, Chris, and Stephanie.

Professionally, Johnny, as he was affectionately known, worked as an Engineering Designer in the Aerospace industry. He enjoyed his work for 40 years, but also enjoyed retirement. In his spare time, John was Mr. Fix It. He enjoyed taking on projects around the house, and he was quite skilled at it. He did everything by the book, demanding excellence of himself and expecting it of others as well.

Johnny loved his children and grandchildren and most enjoyed spending time with them. He was an involved father when his children were young, making time to be involved in their athletics, scouting, and other activities. The kids also fondly remember their regular family camping trips, as well as other family events.

A devout Catholic, John was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Whittier. He was involved in the Mens Club at the Church and greatly enjoyed his association there.

John is survived by his wife, Rachel; sons, John Jr., Edward (Jessica), and Chris (Monique); sisters, Josephine and Elvira; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded by his daughter, Stephanie Serrano.