Ernesto Pio Becerra, 97 of El Cajon, California peacefully passed away at the comfort of his home surrounded by close family on November 21, 2018. He was the husband of the late Connie Becerra who were married for 61 years. He was the son of the late Vicente and Guadalupe Becerra of San Diego.
Pio is survived by his 5 children, daughters Yolanda (Danny) Gilliland, Linda (Henry) Zaldivar, and Rosemary (Dennis) Pluth and sons Ernest (Cathy) Becerra Jr., William Bennett and predeceased daughter, Sharon Carrillo and son James Bennett. His legacy extends to many loving grandchildren (29), great grandchildren (37) and great-great grandchildren (6).
Pio was born in San Diego, CA on July 12, 1921 and lived in San Diego County all his life, the last 42 years in El Cajon where all his daughters and son live. He worked in the Dairy Industry for 42 years as a Operations Manager at the Bottling Processing plant for Golden Arrow Dairy, then Carnation when he retired at age 62. The past 35 years of retirement Pio and Connie spent traveling in their RV to 42 states across the US and Mexico.
In his early years at the age of 22 in May 1944, Pio served in the Army of the United States during WWII. He was in Private Company I, 127th Regiment Infantry, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Division “Red Arrow” known for their insignia. He served until May 1947, he was wounded in combat. His honorable discharge citations include Good Conduct, Rifleman 745 and was decorated with a Purple Heart Medal, 2 Bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal and Philippine Liberation with 1 Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. The men of the “Red Arrow” 32nd Infantry Division can be justly proud of their record of service in World War II, and Dad was proud to have served his country. Up until his last days he loved to wear his Army cap decorated with pins he was awarded serving his country.
Dad’s family has strong roots and settled in the early 1900’s in San Diego , his Grandfather Lorenzo Becerra and father and mother Vicente and Guadalupe Becerra lived here with their family of 7 children, Vera, Eddie, Ray, Alfred, Maggie and Mary. The history leads back to the late 1800’s with 8 Core families who’s kinship and strong relationships established in Logan Heights made San Diego their home. Dad’s longtime friends, family, and relationships are deep rooted and he often told of stories relating to these experiences in his life.
Pio and Connie met in San Diego in 1951, raised 7 children and lived in the Lake Murray/San Carlos neighborhood, then Rancho San Diego. In his free time Dad loved gardening and loved sports, his favorite teams the San Diego Padres and San Diego Chargers. When Petco Park was established for the Padres, a brick was laid down in commemoration of his love of the game and team in the Plaza entry.
Our family has many cherished memories of our Dad. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery with Military Honors and be buried with his beloved Connie and other family members on site on December 12, 2018. Rest in peace Dad, you deserve it. Much Love to you.
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