Placido Ochoa

US Marine Corps 1975-1995

Gunnery Sergeant Placido Ochoa “Gunny” USMC Retired, made his journey to our heavenly Father and reunited with his Father Margarito, Mother Judith, and brother Julian Ochoa, on December 26th 2022.

Gunny or Bro, as he was affectionately known to friends and Marines, “Hon” by his wife, Pop by his kids, Tio by his niece and Grandpa by his grandkids.

Placido “Gunny” was born in Padilla ,Tamaulipas, Mexico. The Ochoa’s moved to Texas when he was five years old. He was a proud Texan and for a while a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan. At the age of 20, the Marines came knocking and Gunny answered the call to duty. He went to Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego, graduated and reported to the School of the Infantry at Camp Pendleton. Gunny Ochoa served as an Infantryman and Machine Gunner. During this enlistment and his loyalty to this country he became a proud citizen of the United States. After his first enlistment Gunny was chosen to be sent back to MCRD San Diego to become a coveted Marine Drill instructor. He excelled as a junior Drill Instructor (8 Platoons) and eventually becoming a Senior Drill instructor. Before leaving the drill field he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

Pop's next duty station was Camp H.M Smith Hawaii then back to Camp Pendleton, where he was deployed twice to sea duty, and was Billet manager at the famous beach club in San Onofre. Gunny went back to the infantry to end his time with the Marine Corps. Along the way he made lifelong friends who he kept in touch with. He was instrumental in the guidance and mentoring of the Marines that would come after him. While in the Marine Corps he served during the Desert Storm War and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia where he received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He received numerous medals and badges that included the Navy Achievement Medal. Gunny was a Gentleman, fair, respected, warm, funny and disciplined. He was a Marine's Marine. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and retired after 20 years of dedicated service. In retirement he worked with his son Pete at RPS/FEDEX Ground and as a shipping and receiving clerk at Target stores.

Finally able to enjoy his well deserved retirement, Pop enjoyed trips to Las Vegas several times a year as well as contributing to the local native American casinos. Pop always enjoyed a great meal. He made the best Menudo and brisket. He loved dancing to Tejano music with his “babydoll" Alice. He was always one to share a joke but would always say the punch line at the wrong time. We will always remember his laughter and dry sense of humor. He was loved by all and will be missed tremendously.

Gunny is survived by His wife Alice Ochoa, daughter Kathy, son Pete and wife Mary, daughter Lucinda and husband Martin, and his beloved niece Maria and husband Joel, his honorary bro Raul, 15 grandchildren 6 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 11th 5pm-9pm with Rosary starting at 5:30pm

A funeral service for Placido will be held Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at St.Micheals Catholic Church, 2463 Homedale St, San Diego, CA 92139. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM at Mirmar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.humphreymortuary.com for the Ochoa family.