George Valbuena Jr.

George Valbuena passed away peacefully August 25, 2017 at the age of 94. He was born August 17, 1923 in San Pedro, CA and lived there through his early adult life. He was also a longtime resident of Fountain Valley, California.

At the age of 17 he joined the Merchant Marines and proceeded to start his lifeliong career with ships and the ocean. George had an opportunity to see the world of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and Mediterranean Sea just before, during, and after World War II. During his Merchant Seaman travels, he walked in the Casbah of Algiers; a dangerous place for "Westerners". Later he contracted dengue fever in India. During his hospital stay an uprising occurred that required he and other mates tie sheets together to escape out the window and flee the violence overtaking the hospital and vicinity. But there were plenty of good times too; seeing what the rest of the world was like and sampling the many cuisines and meeting the characters who venture out to sea. In South America, he met daughters of American Ex Pats who went to school in the states but were anxious to hear about the world and what was happening in America when they were away. Lots of westerners lived in South America so there was plenty of opportunity to socialize in the night clubs and along the promenades.

During World War II, George served his country in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The ships and men of the U.S. Merchant Marine transported across the oceans of the world the vast quantities of war materiel, supplies, equipment and troops needed to fight and win the war. The men of the U.S. merchant marine were civilian volunteers who nonetheless died proportionally in numbers that rivaled any branch of the uniformed military. Like the U.S. Navy Armed Guard with whom they sailed, the unsung men of the U.S. Merchant Marine made possible the Allied victory in World War II. Under the auspices of the US Coast Guard, the Merchant Marine was later officially recognized for their service.

After the war, he was part of the crew on the Catalina Steam-liner the "Glass Bottom" boat to Catalina. There he met the love of his life, Mary Joe, who was also a stewardess crew member. They married in January, 1948 and lived in San Pedro. He worked in the Port of L.A. as a Longshoreman, Business Agent, and Foreman for Ship or Dock. Later the family moved to Fountain Valley, CA. George retired as a proud member of ILWU Local 13 and Bosses Local 94.

George is survived by his beloved family, daughters; Linda (Ernest) Torres, Vicky (John) Lovetro, sons; George Valbuena III, Richard Valbuena, grandchildren; Wendy Manhard, Michelle (Robert) Gill, Gilbert Torres, Joseph Lovetro, Bree Valbuena, Trey Valbuena, great-grandchildren; Branden Manhard and Kyle Jacoby.