Emilio Cervantez died unexpectedly Friday, December 6, 2019 in Madera, California.
A life-long resident of Madera, California Emilio proudly served his country in the Navy from 1951-1955. During the Korean War, Emilio served his country on the USS Atlas. One of his favorite stories to tell was how he skipped his 22nd birthday because he was traveling across the International Date Line. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1981.
After returning to his hometown, Emilio worked as a mail carrier for forty years. He took great pride in raising his two sons and spent countless hours coaching and mentoring them throughout their little league and Babe Ruth years. An avid golfer, Emilio took pride in sharing the stories of his three hole-in-one shots.
Filled with unconditional love for his family, Emilio will forever be remembered for his always having room for dessert, his laughter, and his quiet strength.
Emilio was preceded in death by siblings Alex Cervantez, Josie Rodriguez, Joe Cervantez, Pete Cervantez, Mary Lou Marquez, and Larry Cervantez
He is survived by his sons Henry Cervantez and wife Sammie Cervantez and Tom Cervantez and wife Karen Cervantez, grandchildren Tommy Cervantez Junior, Kira Taylor, Jessica Herbelin, Mirissa Kao, Kayla Contreras, Matt Cervantez, and thirteen great-grandchildren Anesa, Justin, Ethan, Ashlyn, Ryland, Brody, Ellison, Roman, Derek, Emersyn, Emalyn, Nolan, and Kaidence Cervantez. Emilio, is also survived by a large extended family including siblings Carmen Rudometkin, Richard Cervantez, Lydia Perez, Gloria Cutshall, Irene Gutierrez, and Anita Silva, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on, Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Jay Chapel from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, followed by a Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joachim’s on Friday, December 13, 2019 at 9:15 followed by an interment at Calvary Cemetery.