John Dwight Walford

John Dwight Walford passed peacefully on Thursday, November 30 at his home in Santee, CA surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Burbank, CA on December 9, 1922. He grew up in North Hollywood, and at the age of 18, joined the United States Navy. After joining the Navy, John was stationed in San Diego. He fell in love with the town and called it home ever since. He married his loving bride Mary (Raponi) on February 17, 1952 and this past year they celebrated 65 years of marriage. John served as an aviation mechanic during World War II and the Korean War, retiring from the Navy in 1961, with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After retiring, he worked various jobs, including street sweeping parking lots and selling trophies at Southwest Trophy and Award. In 1962 he obtained a Civil Service job as the Athletic Director of what was then, the Naval Air Station Miramar. He remained in that position for 16 years, retiring from that position in 1978. He then worked at Dixieline Lumber Co., becoming a supervisor before leaving and working as a plumber's assistant for a longtime family friend at Klindt Plumbing and Heating. In 1984 he officially retired to collect Social Security benefits and kept himself busy collecting old newspapers from around the neighborhood, something he had done for many years prior.

John is survived by his wife Mary, sons, Rob and Tim; daughters, Patty and Sharon; along with 5 granchildren, Brian, Aubrey, Nicole, Kaitlyn and Madison.

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for December 11, 2017 at 10am, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 6400 St. Therese Way, San Diego, CA 92120. Naval Honor Guard Services will follow the ceremony at the Church, as will a reception in Murray Hall. In addition a short internment will occur at Miramar National Cemetery on December 18, 2017 at 9:30am.