Simon Balladarez
May 26th, 1949 - September 20, 2020
Simon Balladarez was born on May 26th, 1949 in Alice, Texas. He was the first child of Simon
Balladarez Sr. and Gloria Rivera. He spent his early life living with his grandmother and mother
in Corpus Christi Texas along with his only sibling Deanna Balladarez.
In the early 1960’s he moved to Pasadena, California with his mother, sister, and other relatives.
He attended grammar school, junior high at McKinnley Intermediate, and then went on to attend
Pasadena High School where he graduated in 1968. After graduation, he proceeded on to
Pasadena City College.
While attending college he met his wife Martha Carabio and they were married on September
25th, 1971. Soon after marriage their son Shay Simon Balladarez was born in 1972. During this
time Simon worked in the Forestry Service to help support his new wife and son. In 1977,
Andrew Marcus Balladarez was born and he changed his job profession to Manufacturing
Engineer with ITT General Controls. In 1980, Simon and Marty purchased a new home in
Duarte, California. A few years later Vanessa Gloria Balladarez was born in 1983. Duarte
became his family’s residence for the next 25 years.
Simon was a fixture in the Duarte community. He was not only a centerpiece for his family but
for anyone he came in contact with. He spent most of his time coaching youth sports and
staying involved with kids of his community.
In 2005 he lost the love of his life, Marty. His kids and grandkids became the focal point of his
life at this time.
In 2013, Simon met and married Diamontina Ochoa and moved to Canyon Hills, California.
They established a life together along with Tina’s daughters and her grandchildren. They
enjoyed a 7-year marriage that was filled with joy and happiness.
Simon is survived by his beloved children, Shay, Andrew (wife) Shannon, Vanessa (husband)
Simon; treasured grandchildren, Larissa, Arianna, Emily, Simon, Juliana, and Audrina.
Also survived by his wife Diamontina; loving stepchildren, Michelle, Cindy, Raquel; cherished
grandchildren, Christian, Arianna, Tyrone, Jackie and Kylie,
