John Ruiz Renteria was born on January 2, 1937 to the parents of Carmen Ruiz Renteria and John Costello Renteria in the city of Los Angeles. His brother Albert Renteria followed two years later. John was a protective brother and a dutiful son. He worked hard as a child working with his family harvesting, grapes, peaches and other produce. He helped his Dad in start up his Automotive Wholesale Business call CECO Clutch and Exchange and worked in the business for over 30 years. He attended Catholic Schools throughout his formative years and was President of the Dance Committee at Cantwell High, where he met and fell in love with Josephine Anne Calderon. He also attended East LA Junior College majoring in business education.

In 1956, he joined and served in the US Marine Corps in El Toro, CA where he was able to spend time overseas in Okinawa, Japan. He served two years and married Josephine Anne Calderon on September 13, 1958.

John loved being active and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed boating, camping, skiing (water and snow) hiking, exercising, dancing and biking with his family. He and his wife took their family on many trips with their 3 kids (Jennifer, John and Jeff) to see the Grand Canyon, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, Utah, and countless family trips to their beloved camping spot, Bass Lake, California. In later years, Jo and John were able to travel to Barcelona, Spain and Madrid with a follow up trip to Victoria, Canada.

An unfortunate injury at around 42 years old left him unable to enjoy active sports, but he continued to enjoy outdoor gardening all the while listening to his favorite music—Benny Goodman, Glen Miller and other big Band artists. Along with his other interests, he immersed himself in the sciences. He loved Astronomy, History, and classic movies.

Other health issues continued to affect him. He underwent a couple of spinal surgeries and later, developed Colon and Liver Cancer. He was 78 years old when he passed peacefully at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo with his family by his bedside. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

John Ruiz Renteria is survived by his wife, Josephine Anne Renteria, daughter, Jennifer Renteria-Walth, John Renteria, Jr., and Jeffrey Renteria, daughter in-law, Teresa Collins Renteria, grandchildren, Michael Renteria, Anthony Renteria, Andrew Renteria, Jessica Renteria, Caitlin Walth, Allison Walth, Hayley Walth, Great-Grandchildren, Madison Renteria, Kieri Renteria, and Logan Renteria

Vigil Rosary Services will be held on December 23rd, 2015 at McCormick's Mortuary in Laguna Hills at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass services will be held on December 26, 2015 at 10:30 at St. Kilian's Catholic Church, followed by a Reception held at the Norman Murray Senior Center in Mission Viejo.

Private Internment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Smile, International or St. Jude would be greatly appreciated.

POEM TO SHARE:

LETTING GO

The Angels gathered near your bed, so very close to you. For they knew the pain and suffering that you were going through. I thought about so many things, as I held tightly to your hand. Oh, how I wished that you were strong and happy once again, but, your eyes were looking homeward, to that place beyond the sky. Where Jesus held His outstretched arms, it was time to say goodbye. I struggled with my selfish thoughts, for I wanted you to stay. So we could walk and talk again, like we did - just yesterday. But Jesus knew the answer, and I knew He loved you so. So I gave to you life's greatest gift, the gift of letting go.

VIDEO TO SHARE:

https://youtu.be/P7IbQyG9PL4