Doniciano Mariano Estrada

The world lost charisma when Don left us. Born as Doniciano Mariano, he was known as Marion in high school, as Don to his friends, and as Connie to his family. One of 13 children, Don was born in Bakersfield to Margarito and Ponciana Estrada. His childhood generally was spent making mischief with his siblings, sneaking into the Granada Theater to watch cartoons, breaking into the canals for a swim, breaking into the neighborhood market to steal candy, and getting kicked out of Catholic schools.

Don attended East Bakersfield High School where he played football, basketball, and was a champion swimmer. There, he met the love of his life, Connie Murillo, who couldn’t resist his shy smile and blue-black curls. Don enlisted in the Marines after high school and served in the Supply School during the Korean War, traveling the world and writing to Connie every day. He was stationed in Kobe, Japan but his favorite port was Morocco.

After Don’s discharge, he and Connie married and had 5 children. He worked tirelessly at multiple jobs to provide for them. He did custodial work, worked at shoe stores and Estrada's Market, Tenneco, and eventually landed with the California Water Service. With his boundless energy, he bartended many weekends and could be found serving beer every night at the Budweiser Pavilion at fair time.

Even with all those jobs, Don found time to spend with his family and friends and to cook for all he loved. He was known for his deep pit, salsa, tamales, menudo, and enchiladas. He often was asked to prepare the food for family celebrations and could always be found in the kitchen. He was quick with a smile and a joke, always willing to lend a helping hand, and had charisma in spades.

Don was good at many things, but he was best at being a grandpa. Don and Connie had 11 grandkids and 23 great grandkids. They always kept their wallets full and cookie jars fuller for cherished visits from the grandkids. Even neighborhood kids called Don “Grandpa” and often rang his doorbell for candy or help fixing their bikes.

Don is predeceased by his beloved wife Connie, his son Ruben, and his siblings Olga, Viola, Gloria, Aurelia, Ida, Rosalinda, Ruben, Rico, Hector, Salvador, and Eddie. He is survived by his sister, Linda Torres (Manuel) and nephew, Leonard Villanueva; his sister-in-law, Beatriz Lopez; his children, Donnie (Lydia), Steve, Cynthia, and Christine; the grandchildren he raised, Elizabeth (Brett), Ruben, and Alyssa; his grandchildren, Anthony (Venessa), Michael, Amanda, Venessa (Rodrigo), Adam, Christal, Natasha (Joseph), and Drew; his 23 great grandchildren, Anthony, Athaniel, Alec, Michael, Aliyah, Andrew, Carmen, Serenity, Maryssa, Ricky, Aviana, Isabella, Pierce, Giselle, Zowey, Adalynn, Elijah, Jasmine, Damian, Issak, Jonathan, Nevaeh, and Jade, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Donciano will be held Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. A graveside service will occur Friday, February 18, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary.

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