Remembering Luis 'Jerry' de la Peza

Born in San Antonio Texas, Jerry de la Peza moved to California as a child with his family. From 1953 to 1956, he was Cpl. de la Peza, in the 35th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he settled in Montebello, his home of 49 years.

In 1956, Jerry married his wife, Miss Grace Davis. Together they raised three children, sons Daniel Gerard and Dathan Gerard and daughter Danette Grace. Jerry was a devoted husband, loving father and adoring grandfather to six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

From 1961 until 1993 Jerry worked for the transportation department of The Los Angeles Times. He spent weekends on Catalina Island, where Grace worked. He could often be found riding his bicycle or sailing his classic wooden sailboat. But what he enjoyed most was spending time with his grandchildren.

Jerry enjoyed his Lake Havasu, AZ, vacation home and spending time in the mountains of the Enchanted Forest area of Crestline/ Lake Arrowhead. At home, he loved to garden and painstakingly took care of every plant, tree and flower in his yard. The fruits of his labor of love were the bounty of lemons, grapefruits and avocados that he loved to share with others.

Following his retirement, Jerry became involved in the Save the Montebello Hills Task Force, serving as chairman for many years. Fellow members credit his efforts for the prosperity of the campaign. Jerry was often the first to arrive at task force outreach events to set up his tent and the last to leave. He was very involved in his city, attended many city council meetings where he was not shy about letting the city council know exactly what he thought and becoming involved in other city issues.