John Cleveland McCombs

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John passed peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side on November 11, 2024, at the age of 84.

John was born in High Point, North Carolina on August 1st, 1940. The only child to John Euel and Juanita Lavoria McCombs. As a child John played baseball and football and enjoyed Nascar races with his father. At an early age he worked as a bag boy and paperboy. After graduating high school, John worked for the local paper in the classified and advertising departments.

In 1962, John enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Jackson South Carolina. He was eventually deployed to Panama where he continued to serve the Army as an administrative NCO. Here he met his wife Dioselina Hercilia Arauz on the beach after pretending to drown so she would save him. Following a brief courtship, John married Dioselina in September 1965. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage next September. John was then stationed in Nicaragua and the couple welcomed their first Daughter Juanita in December of 1966. John, Dioselina, and Juanita would soon relocate to California, where their second daughter, Mary, was born in 1968.

John purchased his first home in 1972, and settled with his family, including his parents, in El Monte, California. John enjoyed raising his daughters with his wife and the help of his parents.

In 1989, after his daughter’s finished high school, John and his family moved together to San Bernardino; all of them living in the same neighborhood. This allowed him the opportunity to watch his daughter’s become mothers and watch his grandchildren grow up, graduate College, and become parents themselves. John spent the best parts of his life surrounded by his family that adored him, and enjoyed many family vacations, cruises, and parties. He would often say “I have had a great life.”

John worked as a payroll specialist with different companies for many years and finally retired at age 75. John was a hard worker that would do anything for his family. His love and generosity had no boundaries, and he demonstrated compassion and generosity to those less fortunate in California and abroad.

John is survived by his wife Dioselina McCombs (Arauz). Together they had two daughters who gave them wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren. His oldest Juanita Battistone (McCombs), along with her ex-husband Louis Battistone gave him his granddaughters Amanda Battistone and Alexis Battistone. His youngest Mary Moran-Manz (McCombs), along with her ex-husband David Moran gave him his granddaughter, Vanessa Gomez (Moran), her spouse Phillip Gomez and their children Amelia Gomez and Derek Gomez; grandson, John Moran; and grandson, Jason Moran, his spouse Stephane Moran (Flores) and their children Madeline Moran and Carter John Moran. Mary’s husband Michael Manz provided John with two bonus Grandchildren, Ryan Simental, and his wife Emily Simental with their children Korli Simental and Aulora Simental and Michelle Manz with her daughter Shelby Manz.

Everyone wanted to be with Grandpa John, he was joyful, always smiling, and happy to be with family. There is no doubt that he was loved beyond measure and treasured by each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a true Patriarch and hero to all. His light will continue to shine in all that had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be truly missed as he was the greatest man we ever knew.

A graveside service for John will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518. Followed by a Celebration of life Lunch at 9922 Cambria Circle, Moreno Valley California 92557. If you wish to attend please text RSVP to daughter Juanita at (909)401-7479.

To Honor his memory the Family is asking that in lieu of Flowers, donations should be made to the Mercy Ships see link below.

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https://www.mercyships.org/