Harold Louis Traunero

Harold Traunero, born on April 26, 1942, in Tiffin, Ohio, passed away on June 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy marked by adventure, friendship, and ever lasting memories. He was the son of Charles, a skilled machinist, and Laurel, a dedicated homemaker, and grew up alongside his siblings Joe and Kathleen.

At Old Fort High School in Ohio, he was a standout athlete, lettering in Baseball, Basketball, and Track. He held the Seneca County title in the 440 yard dash in 1958 and 1959 and anchored the mile relay team that held the County record for nearly thirty years. As a Junior, he and his Stockader teammates played in the Regional Basketball Finals only to lose to Elmore. He was an outstanding shortstop and played baseball for Old Fort his freshman through junior years. When his family moved to Chula Vista, CA in his senior year, he attended Hilltop High School where he hit for average, had multiple home runs, and was the school baseball MVP.

Harold found his calling as a Safeway meat cutter where he made lifelong friendships with his colleagues in the industry. He enjoyed sport and adventure and was always open to competing in a bowling league or on a softball team with his grocery friends. He was an excellent racquetball player who won several tournaments and was an avid downhill skier who enjoyed skiing Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and Mammoth Mountain. He owned fast cars, loved to fly his many airplanes, and enjoyed hanging out with his friends at the Barona and Ramona airfields.

Harold raised his son as a single father and was an excellent role model who portrayed great character, honor, and respect. He shared his passion for life with his son and was a pillar of strength and support for his family and friends. He was a loving grandfather to his two grandsons and a loyal and loving caretaker for his mother, brother, and best friend Howard as they all became ill. Harold was a dog lover and had a penchant for Boxers, of which he owned a few.

Throughout his life, he cultivated deep friendships and created unforgettable experiences and adventures. He had a zest for life and was active to the end. He walked regularly and was an excellent golf partner, playing once or twice a week. He also snow skied, hiked National Parks, and rafted Class III whitewater rapids all well into his seventies.

Harold will be dearly missed by all who knew him for his infectious laughter, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the countless stories of his daring escapades and the memories of the cherished moments that he shared with others.

He is survived by his son Todd, daughter in-law Brenda, sister Kathleen, grandsons Jacob and Joseph and nieces and nephew Amy, Lindsey, and Sean.

A celebration of his life will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary on July 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross in his name.