Aurelio V. Atencio's Obituary
Aurelio Valentine (Val) Atencio began his life in Walsenburg, CO where he met and married Isabel Rice 65 years ago. An honor student at St. Mary's High School, Val found a passion in boxing where he won the state amateur championship as a Bantamweight as a high school sophomore. In 1937 he turned professional boxer fighting in the feather weight class winning the State of Colorado championship. Val came to California in 1942, giving up boxing. He went to work for the Naval Supply Depot in Oakland. He was selected to start up and manage the NSD Boxing Club. He had a team of ten men, giving boxing exhibitions every Friday at noon emphasizing the 'Art of self defense.' In mid 1945 Val was drafted and reported to San Francisco for induction. Within a week the war ended and Val was released to return home to family and his job at the NSD.In 1952 Val opened his home business, Bay Area Popcorn out of is garage, popping fresh popcorn and selling it to schools and organizations. He also worked as a real estate agent for Century 21.A year ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease contributing to his failing health, he passed away at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland on February 14, 2002 of heart failure.He is survived by his wife, Isabel. Sons; Joseph, Thomas and Daniel. His grandchildren; Allan, David, Scott, Danielle, Christine and Kathleen and five great grandchildren; Cynthia, Jazmin, Lauren, Harrison and Alyssa.Family and friend are invited to visit on Thursday, February, 21, 2002 from 5:30 to 8:30PM at the Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544, where a vigil service will be held at 7:00PM. A funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30AM, Friday, February 22, 2002 at St. Joachim Catholic Church, 21250 Hesperian Blvd. near A Street, Hayward, CA 94541.The family appreciates memorial donations in his memory to Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay, 561 ' A Street, Hayward, Ca 94541.
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