Onias L Acevedo

Onias “Ace” L. Acevedo of Corona, California passed away on May 28, 2016 at the age of 93. Onias was born in La Noria, Michoacn, (he always said that he was from Michigan) Mxico on August 8, 1922. His parents were Heladio and Rufina S. (Salgado) Acevedo. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1928 when he was 6 years old. His father found work in the citrus groves in south Corona. They lived on Call Ranch for many years. Onias attended local Corona schools. He was known as Boney Oney because of his slender build. When he was 16 years old (1939), his father was killed in an automobile accident. Being the oldest child he left school to work in the citrus groves to support his mother and three siblings. When WWII broke out he enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 24, 1942. Onias served with the 45th Infantry Division, 79th Regiment. He was a First Class Private Combat soldier. He was shipped to Europe and fought in the invasions of Sicily, Salerno and the Anzio Beachhead. During the Battle of Anzio his feet were frozen and he spent 82 days in the hospital. His suffered from permanent foot damage due to the war. Onias spent 14 months overseas. He laughed when he shared that he became a U.S. citizen while serving in the U.S. Army. He received an honorable discharge on November 8, 1945. He returned to work in the citrus groves in south Corona. Onias eventually became a crew foreman. He took advantage of the G.I. Bill and attended and completed Barber College. He married his childhood sweetheart, Consuelo (Connie) Aguirre on July 28, 1946. They moved to Fullerton, CA to begin his career as a barber. Helen, daughter number one was born there in 1947. Onias returned to Corona and opened a barbershop on Main Street. Many of the locals would get their shave and a haircut then play pool and socialize at the shop. Martha, daughter number two was added to the family in 1949. Onias purchased land in the mid 50s on West Fifth Street where he built his family home. (Which means he pounded every nail, etc.) Lorraine “Cathy” was daughter number 3. (1959-2008). Onias attended and graduated from a private Business College in San Bernardino with a business degree. He opened his first office on Grand Boulevard where he did bookkeeping, insurance, income tax and real estate. He strived to be an honest and informed businessman. His interest in civic and politics grew at this time. This is when he became “Ace” to all his friends and colleagues. Ace loved self-employment and being his own boss. A few of his civic and political accomplishments were: Charter Member and commander of the Joe Dominguez Post #742 Member and president of the Corona Kiwanis Club, Member and president of the Rotary Club, Member of the Human Relation Commission for the city of Corona, Director of Economic Opportunity Board of Riverside County, Member of the Riverside County Grand Jury, Member of the Corona Chamber of Commerce, Member of Corona Urban Renewal Agency, Member and president of the Corona-Norco Realty Board, First Hispanic city councilman for Corona, Board member of Sunnyslope Cemetery in Corona; This is when the 4th and final daughter, Ramona “Mona” was added to the family in 1968. Ace was also an advisor and advocate for the Hispanic community. He is remembered for his warmth, sense of humor, integrity and concern for his fellowman. Interests included golf, coin collecting, reading, husbandry, ham radio, storytelling, traveling just to name a few. Survived by daughters, Helen Darrah (Steve) of Corona, Martha Grant (Ron) of Buena Park and Mona Acevedo Martinez (Tom) of Corona. Eight Grandchildren Earl, Erica (Aaron), Gary, Jonathan (Melaney), Rebecca, Elaina, Justice and Cristian. Three Great-Grandchildren Gaby, Devon and Tyler. Many dear cousins, nieces and nephews also survive him. Preceded in death by his wife Consuelo “Connie,” daughter Cathy, Brothers Elias, Mario, Francisco and sister Hortencia Gomez. His loved ones will dearly miss him. Onias passed away peacefully at Brookdale Magnolia in Corona. His loved ones wish to thank the staff and hospice for their care and patience. Service St. Edward Catholic Church 417 W. Grand Blvd. Corona, CA Wednesday 6/8, 1:00 pm American Legion (951) 735-4141 | Wednesday 6/8, 3:00 pm Cemetery Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery 1125 Rimpau Ave. Corona, CA 92879 Thursday 1/1