Hometown Hero Leroy Anthony Valadez Honored

COLTON >> Community members and loved ones of Leroy Anthony Valadez, who was born on Feb. 13, 1946 and passed on Aug. 31, 2007, recently gathered at the corner of La Cadena Dr. and "B" St. to honor their loved one through a Hometown Heroes Memorial ceremonial banner installation. Among those in attendance were his mother, Elizabeth; widow, Anne; sister, Joanna; son, Leroy Anthony II; daughter, Leticia; brother, Nick, and other family neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Valadez graduated from Aquinas High School in San Bernardino in 1963. He subsequently enlisted and served in the United States Air Force 1963 to 1967. He was a military policeman who served in that capacity while a member of the United States Air Force Canine Division. In that capacity, he served two years in the Philippines and two years in Japan. Upon completion of his service to this country, Valadez was honorably discharged in 1967. Upon returning to Colton, Valadez enrolled and graduated from the police academy. Valadez served local residents with pride and distinction for 37 years with the Colton Police Department. As a police officer, Valadez was described as kind, low-profile, unassuming, helpful, non-confrontational, fair, and professional. The surname Valadez might ring a bell to those long-time residents of Colton. Parents, Joe and Elizabeth, founded the original Taco Joe's. The original Taco Joe's and Fairway Market were located at the corner of La Cadena Drive and "M" Street. Valadez held in high station God, his wife, family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in police uniform. Valadez sang in the choir and served as a cantor at both Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colton and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga. Valadez was known as the "fix-it man." If someone needed help, or something fixed or replaced, Leroy was there to accomplish the task. In brief, he was the go-to man. His wife, Anne, among numerous memories, remembers that in the 39 years they were married, "He never used profanity." Childhood friend, Carlos Cervantes, described Leroy as "very easy-going, personable." Sister, Joanna, described her brother as "my hero, caring, kept me in line, someone you could count on, dependable." Mother, Elizabeth 'Liz,' remembers her son "as a good son, never gave me any problems, well-behaved." Daughter, Leticia Valadez-Rubio, described her dad as "sunshine and light wrapped in a big giant smile. He was the best father. He never lectured me and he took me to my first concert." Brother-in-law, David Padilla, described Valadez as "a good husband and father, someone who liked to have fun. He did things like camping, riding motorcycles and sand buggies at Glamas, and driving hot rod." Son, Leroy Anthony II, described his dad at the presentation at the memorial banner hanging ceremony as his hero. "I don't think my dad saw himself as a hero of any sort," he said. "He saw himself as a man doing a job he loved. But most of all, he was my hero. He believed in me, he was my inspiration, my role model and molded me into the man I am today. He was a very giving man with a big heart who loved his whole family and was always there for all of us. Yes, my dad was my hero, in his hometown of Colton and to all of us here." Brother, Nick, added, Valadez has "always been my role model." Michael "JR" Cervantes was friends with Valadez from 1957 until Valadez's passing. He and his wife Sallie sponsored the memorial banner. He reminisces his friendship with Valadez, saying, "Leroy was always there helping me with my household projects. In addition, he was a good listener. He was my role model. He was the big brother I never had. He, his wife, and his son were in my wedding. They were godparents to my daughter Leslie, a role they did not take lightly. He was always there for her. Although he never saw himself as such, he was a role model to family, friends, and co-workers. The Valadez family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Colton Police Chief Mark Owens, fellow officers, and city of Colton staff members who attended the memorial services.