Paul Mondragon

Paul Martin Mondragon Sr. (87) of Monterey, CA died Thursday morning peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his friends and family. Paul was born January 25 1923, in Gilroy, Ca at his Grandmother, Ascension Solarno?s home. Shortly thereafter Paul along with his Brothers, Victor, Joseph, and his parents Mary and Jose Mondragon, moved to Monterey where he was a life long resident. Paul attended Bayview elementary school and graduated from Monterey High School. Paul also attended the University of Minnesota. Paul is survived by his wife, Linda, to whom he was married for 62 years and has three children; Paul Jr., Daniel, and Jon; 5 Grandchildren Michael Vierra, Jason Mondragon, Carolyn Vierra, Daniel Mondragon Jr., and Laurissa Mondragon and 3 great-grandchildren Jacey Talley, Cameron Talley, and Avery Mondragon. Paul is predeceased by his Daughter Dia Linda Mondragon. Paul was one of the few surviving elders in the Amah-Mutsun Tribal Band from the San Juan Bautista/Watsonville areas. He proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII in the Pacific Campaign and then in the Korean conflict. He retired from the local carpenter?s union #1323 and then spent many wonderful retired years along side Linda. He and Linda were active members of the community and helped out at St. Angela?s church in Pacific Grove until health no longer permitted. Paul was a fantastic story teller and often captivated his friends and family for hours. He also never missed an opportunity to tell a joke. Paul loved to make people laugh. This world is a better place for having him in it and he will truly be missed.