We have been invited at the request of our own PGR members, Peggy and Michael Courtright, to accompany Peggy’s parents, US Army veteran, John Michael Sipos, Sr., 77, and his wife, Delores Sipos, 69, to their final resting place at the beautiful grounds of Riverside National Cemetery. It will be our honor to fulfill their request.
John was born on 24 Sep 1929 to Gabriel and Elizabeth Sipos in Keasbey, New Jersey, both immigrants from Romania and Hungary, respectively. As a young boy, John was the kind of kid that reminded you of a “wise guy,” running the streets. He graduated Perth Amboy High School in 1947 and after four years joined the United States Army, 21 May 1951.
While in the Army, John learned to shoot an M1 Gerand and became an excellent marksman and sharpshooter. His MOS was 0311 (Rifleman). John was assigned to the 41st Army Infantry Battalion. His unit was deployed to Germany for the next 17 months. He became a very skilled electrician learning how to jury rig radios when needed. He received the National Defense Service Medal, German Occupation Medal, and several marksmanship medals. John was honorably discharged on 07 May 1953.
After his discharge from the Army, John moved from New Jersey to Fullerton, CA where he obtained a job at Gulton Industries and he quickly became a supervisor. It was there where he met his future wife, Delores Barcenas. Delores was a lathe operator and John was her boss. Eventually, Delores’ daughter, Peggy would get a job there working for her future stepfather.
Delores and John were married in 1974 with their blended family of six. As the years progressed, all the kids’ families began to grow. Delores loved being a grandma and John or “Pop” as he became known, loved being a grandpa.
Mom loved cooking and made great stuffed cabbagfe. Pop had taught mom had to make stuffed cabbage the way they did in Hungary. Pop always knew that when our family came to visit it was always time for ice cream.
Mom and Pop eventually moved and settled in Reno, NV. Grandma played Bingo and Pop played the tables and machines. In all the times we were there, Pop never lost. He said the kids were his good luck charm.
Mom loved crocheting slippers for everyone and just hugging all her grandbabies and great-grandbabies. She loved going to church and was a great example of what a Christian woman should be.
Mom passed at the age of 69 and Pop passed at the age of 77. They now both in the loving arms of the Lord.
Mom and Pop are preceded in death by children, Judy and John, Jr. They are survived by children, Peggy Courtright, Steve Barcenas, Rhonda Diaz, and Sandy Currie. They also leave behind 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Mom and Pop’s cremains will be in Joker’s bike and they will be taking their last ride.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the staging location to the cemetery, approximately 45 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 24 MARCH 20250800: Stage at Target parking lot, 7530 Orangethrope Ave, Buena Park, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8c3bmycuDP6W1d1h60815: Mission briefing.
0830: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAoAQTYkLzPAM6nn71015-1030: ETA to RNC.
1045: Flag line and military honors.
TOM BARRY
PGR California State Captain
casc@patriotguard.org
(714) 206-1227You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit at the cemetery. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
