Henry Ochoa Garduno

Enrique “Henry” Ochoa Garduno

August 8, 1923 – Oct 7, 2019

Henry was born in Tucson AZ on August 8,1923 a twin and the youngest of 5 boys born to Francisco Castro Garduno and Rofina Ode “Regina” Ochoa-Garduno

His twin brother Juan died when Henry was less than a year old.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Francisco, Ricardo and Abraham. His beautiful loving wife Christina Bieggar-Garduno also preceded him in death by 13 years. Henry had moved to Los Angeles a few years before joining the U.S. Army in 1943 at the age of 19.  Henry served during World War II in the jungles of the Philippines, he showed determination and courage, earning two PURPLE HEARTS and two BRONZE STARS, as an advance scout. He with his lucky pet monkey, who when in the jungle would worn Henry and his troop of advancing enemy soldiers. His bravery ensured that our U.S. Soldiers would be safe in advancing to their next position. He was also an amateur boxer entertaining the troops with a record 18 wins and 1 loss. He also served with the same outstanding courage and bravery during battles at Guadalcanal and Bougainville. Receiving the ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, PHILIPPENE LIBERATION RIBBON WITH 1 BRONZE SERVICE STAR and THE HONORABLE SERVICE WWII.   He was injured during an explosion, sent 10 feet into the air, sustaining numerous head injuries and bilateral loss of hearing.  A hearing loss he carried with him until he died. 

When returning from the war he met and married the love of his life Christina Bieggar.  They were married for 59 year when she passed away in 2006, leaving him lost, with an emptiness in his heart.

He is survived by his 4 sons, Ronald Henry and wife Nena, of South El Monte, CA   Frederick Dennis, of Lake Arrowhead, CA.  Mark Anthony and wife Julie, of Dana Point, CA and son, John Glen of San Diego. Grandchildren, Fred Garduno, Christopher and wife Amber Garduno, Leticia Hernandez, Vincent and Anthony Garduno and Natalie Carrillo.  Great grandchildren, Brittany and Freddie Garduno. Riley, Isaiah and Lillian Garduno, Ariadne and Ezekiel Carrillo and Destiny Hernandez.  Great-great-grandchildren Marissa and Waylon Garduno and Brantley Garduno.  His former daughter in-law Judy Garduno.  Plus several nieces and nephews. He and his wife were prominent business owners with several restaurants in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas including “GARDUNO’S TACO KING” in El Monte, and “Christina’s” in Hollywood, CA.  He was a member of the El Monte Lions Club, as well as a Shriner. Which prompted him to ride in the local parades with his little red parade car.  He loved Golf and listening to Classical music.  He’s noted for kissing the back of women’s hands in greeting and lovingly called all the ladies “Sweetheart” He loved his hats, a good joke and a glass of beer.  Suffering from Alzheimer’s in his later years, he always new his name and recognized his family as someone he loved.  

With a wonderful smile and a beautiful heart, he will be missed.

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