Bernard Joseph Villalobos

Bernard Joseph Villalobos was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 26, 1942. He grew up in the City of Pasadena and graduated from John Muir High School. He studied Fire Science at Pasadena City College and Business Administration/Management at California State University, Los Angeles.

In 1963, Bernard met and married the love of his life, Condie Najera. They made their home in Pasadena, where they lovingly raised their three children. At home, he taught his children yard, home and auto maintenance, and emergency response skills. In the community, he volunteered as a Boy Scout Master and coached baseball, softball, and tennis. His ability to encourage and his sense of humor made him a favorite leader.

At age 10, Bernard’s first job was a Pasadena Star News delivery boy. In high school, he caddied at Annandale Golf Course and worked at Chang’s Market, where he became a journeyman meat cutter. In 1969, Bernard joined the Alhambra Fire Department. His common sense, decisiveness, leadership, courage, dedication, and strong work ethic led to a successful 30-year career, and he retired as Honorary Battalion Chief in 1998. He retired from a long career as a Meat Department Manager for Ralphs in 2005.

Bernard and Condie built a cabin in Wrightwood with help from their son Brian and friend Mike Burson. When construction finished in 1989, Bernard and the family enjoyed year-round activities, especially cross-country skiing, snowball fights, and sledding. In 1998, Bernard and Condie bought their townhouse in Upland, and they became active members of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for over 20 years.

Bernard was an excellent athlete, instructor and spectator, and he loved sharing fishing, skiing, tennis, and golf. His outdoor adventures and indoor card games were full of laughter, strategy, and his uncanny good luck. He rarely missed a grandchild’s match, game, or performance. He drove his grandchildren to school, helped with homework and was a proud Papa/Pop at graduations from kindergarten to graduate school.

In 2021, Bernard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He faced the challenges with tenacity. Though the pace of his activities slowed, his passion for spending time with family and friends never diminished. He even enjoyed putting on the green not long before he fell in January 2026, which led to hip surgery and a decline in his health.

Bernard knew Jesus Christ as his Savior, and with his family close by, he passed into the presence of God in the early hours of Wednesday, April 22, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife, Condie; his children: Bernadette, Brian, and Barbara; his sons-in-law: John and Joe; his daughter-in-law Lynne; his grandchildren: Rachael, Nathan, Noel, Luke, Grace, Skyler, and Zachary; his grandsons-in-law Orlando and Thomas; his great-granddaughter Noemi; his sister Jeanette; his brothers: Peter and Ralph; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernard would say, “You can pick your nose, and you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.” When times were tense, his gift of humor often reminded us to value and invest in relationships with family and with friends. He made each of us feel important and loved. He is deeply loved and is deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on May 29, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Garden View Room at Upland Hills Country Club, 1231 E 16th Street, Upland, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bernard Villalobos to The Parkinson's Foundation

http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/Bernard_Villalobos