NOTE: TIMELINE UPDATE
The family of Florencio Vasquez and our friends at Risher Mortuary have asked the Patriot Guard to pay final Honors to this American Hero. It will be our privilege to do so.
Florencio Vasquez was born at home in Los Angeles, California on February 23, 1934, to Mauricio and Susana (Rosa) Vasquez. His father was of Mexican descent and his mother was of Puerto Rican descent.
Florencio was the youngest of four children and was raised in East Los Angeles where he attended James A. Garfield High School.
At the age of 20 years, Florencio enlisted and proudly served our country with distinction in the United States Army. Florencio served from Aug 3,1953 to Aug 2, 1961. He was awarded the Good Conduct medal and National Defense Service Medals, among others and was honorably discharged at the rank of SP4.
On November 15, 1958, Florencio married Rebecca Rosas, together they raised their children, Hope, Madeline, Cathy, and Richard. The memories his children have are waking up to Saturday family breakfasts and watching their dad build and make household projects. Florencio was a man of many projects by fixing and repairing what was always needed around the house.
Florencio was known to his family as "Lencho", or (Lion for his fierceness and leadership), to his fellow colleagues and friends as "Benny", or "Ben".
Florencio worked for Cal Alloy, and Lansco Diecasting for over 30 years as a Machine Operator/Supervisor.
In retirement Florencio decided to leap into a health frenzy and became a jogger, which shortly ended due to his knees hurting.
Soon thereafter, Florencio established another hobby, becoming an avid cyclist riding his Schwinn bike down the coast from Los Angeles to Rosarito beach and Ensenada.
Florencio loved his oldies and doo-wop music. He also loved sports. He was a big Chicago Cub and Raider fan throughout his life. He was also a Lakers fan and cheered for USC. He would wake up each day to watch the news and sit at the kitchen table with his toast and coffee. His Sundays were always dedicated to “Momma” taking her on long cruises in his 1957 Chevy and then upgrading to his 1989 Chevy S10. Florencio and Rebecca were married for 65 years.
Florencio enjoyed spending the last few years close to his children and family. He was their Hero.
Florencio is survived by his wife, Rebecca, his children, Hope (Manuel), Madeline, and Richard (Annette), 48 Grandchildren, and 24 Great-Grandchildren.
Florencio's Daughter Cathy predeceased him.
NOTE: PALL BEARERS MAY BE NEEDED.You 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 ride/drive safely.
Timetable for Friday 22 March 2024
1315 - Stage at Risher Mortuary (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bBGVDpeM7tJmegks8)
1330 - Mission Briefing
1400 - Service and Military Honors begin.
1430 - Dismissed when Honors for our Hero are done.
R/C Mike " Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR/ Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us"
Only 2 defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.
