Robert Richard Valenzuela

Worshipful Robert “Bob” R.Valenzuela was a Native son of California having been born in Los Angeles to Mary and Richard Valenzuela on February 10, 1947. He grew up in Norwalk, was active in scouting and sports and graduated from Excelsior High School where he Lettered in Football and Baseball. In 1964 he joined the Marine Corps and served as a “Mud Marine” in Vietnam experiencing combat and the loss of childhood chums and fellow marines. Yet, he loved the Corps and was proud to have served. Upon discharge, he returned back to school earning degrees in the Social Sciences from Cerritos College and CSULB. His career for many years was spent in the food processing industry. However, in the early 90’s, he made a career change. Pursuing his life’s ambition to work in heavy equipment construction operations and with the assistance of his colleagues, became an active member of the AFofL-CIO International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 12, working on several industrial and commercial high-rise buildings in Los Angeles and in the Orange County areas.

Wor. Bob joined the Masonic Order in August 1987 in Monte Vista Lodge # 655 and later transferred to Bellflower Lodge # 320 where he served in several offices before being elected as its Centennial Master in 1994. His lodge honored him with the Prestigious Hiram Award in June 2000 for his dedication and devotion to the Masonic Craft. Thereafter, joining and becoming an active member of the Long Beach Scottish Rite, serving as Wise Master Rose Croix in 1995. He always had a flare for the dramatics and for over ten years was the Degree Master of the 18 Degree; “The Prince Rose-Croix.” In 2009, in recognition of his contributions and achievements, the Rite invested Worshipful Bob with the 33 Degree Inspector General Honorary.

Worshipful Brother Bob crossed over to that Celestial Lodge above at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital on Friday September 3, 2010.

His Legacy…

Integrity, Compassion and Charity, all wrapped up in a Noble Spirit.

He is survived by his adoring wife Caroline Sue, son Jesse, daughter Charise, five grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters, one on the way, and two brothers Timothy and James Valenzuela. He was a decent man who will be sorely missed by family, friends and his Masonic Brothers.

Viewing will be provided between 4-7pm Sept. 14th at the Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary 5161 Arbor Rd. Long Beach. Mortuary Church Services shall commence on Wednesday, Sept. 15th at 11am with internment following at the Artesia Cemetery 11142 E Artesia Bl. Cerritos. Following gravesite services a reception will be held at the Bellflower Masonic Center 9813 Beach St. Bellflower.

Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401

www.luybenfamilyd-m.com