Art is survived by a wife, Luz Estella, two children: John Padilla and Lacie Ward, three step children: Ricardo Cruz, Alex Cruz, and Jorge Cruz, and he also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren.
Art is a veteran of the Korean DMZ Conflict during the time of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including a National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and the rare Imjin Scouts badge. He grew up in Artesia, and was the fourth child of six from Augustine and Dorothy Frias.
As a child, Art played baseball and other sports with the kids in then neighborhood. As he grew older that love for baseball grew along with running track. He won several awards and trophies for track and baseball at Artesia High School. He also had a love for cars and he owned several classics over the years which included a Chevy Bel Air, Impala, and a Chevelle. He attended college and graduated receiving an AA degree which aided him in advancing his career from a diesel mechanic at Dalton Trucking to a foreman/management position he eventually retired from; in addition to a brief period as an owner-operator truck driver.
He served 3 years with distinction (10 years total) as part of the Army 2nd Infantry Division in the Korean DMZ Conflict, which included specialized training (ACTA – Advanced Combat Training Academy) which prepared him for specialized day reconnaissance and night ambush patrols within the South Korean DMZ and earned him the Imjin Scout badge. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest.
A viewing for Art will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Montecito Valley View Chapel, 3520 E. Washington St, Colton, California 92324. A chapel service will occur Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. An interment will occur Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 11:15 AM at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington St, Colton, California.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Frias family.
FAMILY
Luz Estella FriasWife
John PadillaSon
Lacie WardDaughter
Ricardo CruzStep-son
Alex CruzStep-son
Jorge CruzStep-son
~ 13 ~Grandchildren
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