Octavio Alberto Sifuentes

On April 23, 2013, Octavio Alberto Sifuentes passed away at Ventura County Medical Center due to injuries received in a fall. He was born in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico on March 20, 1937 to Juan and Amparo (Castro) Sifuentes.

After the death of his father, he immigrated with his mother and siblings to the United States. Octavio’s mother believed she would have more opportunities as a single mother. In 1956, he graduated from Cantwell High School in Montebello, California.

Octavio served in the United States Army 574th Engineering Company from 1960 to 1962 and in the Army reserves until 1966.

He earned his BS in English from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and received his MS in Library Science from Cal State Fullerton. Octavio was employed as the Senior Reference Librarian at Ventura College from 1974 to 2004. He served as President of the local AFT, and faculty advisor for Ventura College MEChA. He was an active supporter of the formation of the UFW and worked with the organizers in the founding of Clinicas del Camino Real.

Following his retirement he was an active volunteer with Friends of the Library. He was an assistant leader with the Girl Scouts from 1976 to 1982 and a leader with the Boy Scouts of America from 2009 to 2013.

Octavio was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roberto, Pedro “Pete”, and Juan; and Sister, Gloria; niece, Tracy; nephew Steven; and great-nephew, Jarret.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon Brundage Sifuentes; daughter, Gloria Sifuentes Friend; son-in-law, Cory Friend; grandson, Cameron Friend, all of Ventura; sisters-in-law, Elba Sifuentes of Torreon Coah, Mexico, Rebecca Sifuentes of La Mirada, Lorreta Sifuentes of Los Angeles, Patricia Brockmeyer of St. Charles, MO, Peggy Winscott of Sunset Beach, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation taking place at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a prayer vigil to immediately follow at 7:00 P.M.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, May 3, 2013, at the San Buenaventura Mission, 211 East Main Street, Ventura with Father Damian Fernando officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura with final military honors rendered by the United States Army.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.