William Valenzuela

and Guadalupe Medina Valenzuela. He was one of nine children. He married the most beautiful young

woman, Juanita Brito, on October 23, 1960, after vigorously courting her for three years.

On June 16, 1957, Memo was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ by Rev. Macias in Phoenix, Arizona. In

that same year he moved to San Jose, California, where his parents and many siblings had already settled.

He joined the First Apostolic Church of San Jose in 1957 under the pastorship of Rev. Juan Amaya, where he

immediately put his carpentry expertise to use by working on the new Sunday School wing and parsonage.

Memo was a member of the Carpenters Local Union #405 for over fifty years, achieving the rank of superintendent

many years before “retiring.” Real estate development was one of his personal pursuits and passions.

Memo was also a dedicated member of The Apostolic Sound, an accomplished recording musical group,

playing the bass guitar. Recognized for his pioneering electric bass style, Memo was invited to play at various

church services, church functions, as well as community gatherings. He was a mentor to many aspiring

and accomplished musicians on technique and etiquette. He thoroughly enjoyed his music ministry and found

deep satisfaction playing for the honor and glory of God.

Memo had a very inspirational personality who greatly influenced people around him. He raised his children

and grandchildren in the First Apostolic Church. He taught them the importance of hard work and stressed the

importance of pursuing education. He taught his children and some of his grandchildren how to play the piano.

He loved the flea market, or “pulga,” and loved to travel. Most importantly, he loved to be with his family. He

went to school functions, graduations, sporting events, school plays and Christmas concerts. He would attend

whether he was walking, walking with a cane, in an electric scooter or in a wheel chair.

Memo was never afraid to be himself. He was always honest, sometimes brutally honest. He would always

say what was on his mind and let you know how he really felt. He was loved by his family and well-liked by his

friends. He was very sociable and popular.

On Thursday, February 3, Memo had his scheduled dialysis. Memo spent that time with his Daughter Martha

laughing and telling stories. He phoned his wife, “Juanie” and made plans for a date they had scheduled for

the coming Sunday. He joked about whether they were going to be eating “pollo” or “gallina,” (and later told

Martha he just wanted to hear Mom’s laugh). Before the hourlong conversation with Juanita ended, he told her,

“How could I ever forget you, you’re my wife of 50 years. I love you. I’ll never forget you; you’re always in my

heart. I love you Mija.”

To this she replied, “I love you too, Mijo. Te Amo Mucho, Mi Amor.” The conversation set Memo’s mood in

great spirits. He later enjoyed his dinner, joked with the hospital staff and went to bed. At approximately 7:55

pm, he quietly and peacefully followed the path of the Lord. After all the pain and suffering he endured, we

thank the Lord for this peaceful departure.

He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita Brito Valenzuela and children: Benjamin Valenzuela Sr. (Sue), Joseph

Valenzuela, Marcos Valenzuela, Ruth Lin (Dave), James Valenzuela, Martha Watts (Ray) and Delma V. Locke

(Dave); Nineteen grandchildren: Melissa Valenzuela, Benjamin Valenzuela Jr., Angelica Macias, Amanda Valenzuela,

James Valenzuela Jr., Trisha Locke-Zamora, Suzanne Zamora, Alexandra Valenzuela, Isaac Valenzuela,

Marcos Valenzuela Jr., Matthew Valenzuela, William Valenzuela II, Sara Watts, Tessa Valenzuela, Isaiah

Watts, Sophie Watts, Timothy Locke, Elena Locke, and Jordyn Lin; five great-grandchildren with 2 expected;

His brothers and sisters: Bertha Facio, Jose Valenzuela, Jr., Ponciano Valenzuela, Cruzcita V. Gutierrez, Lupe

V. Americo and Jennie V. Huff; and many nephews and nieces. Although he will be sorely missed by many,

Memo joins the Lord’s loving arms. His parents, brother Marcos, sister Frances (Panchita) and many other

friends and relatives joyously welcome him to Heaven.