Fidel M. Corona passed away peacefully at home on September 19.
Del was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Born January 10, 1935, in Saticoy to Fidel and Carmen, he raised his family and established his business in Ventura.
As the owner of Del’s Barbering & Styling at 1308 North Ventura Avenue, many of his friends will attest he was a consummate professional, and his practice benefited the community for sixty-two years. He received a public service award for his 50th year in business in Ventura, 12 years before he retired!
He was a graduate of Ventura High School, class of 1953. In his early twenties, he took a chance and decided to attend Los Angeles Barber College. Del began his career working for Paul Porter in the late 1950’s at his Ventura barbershop. Recognizing Del’s ambition and abilities, Mr. Porter ultimately sold his business to the young family man in 1965.
As his business grew, so did his community involvement. Del sponsored numerous youth sports teams, in baseball, basketball and soccer. In fact, Del played varsity basketball while he attended Ventura High School. He also was a member of the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and he was an usher at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years.
Known for his kindness and generosity, Del served as a wise role model to many of his friends and family. His customers knew they could depend on Del for sage advice on the challenges in life, as well as the best haircut they would ever receive!
After his retirement from barbering, Del embarked on serving as an ever-faithful companion and caretaker for his beautiful wife, Rose. Del always prepared gourmet level meals, in fact, leaving her with a homemade banana cake for her to enjoy.
Del and Rosemarie loved to travel to Bishop and Bridgeport to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the tranquility of a week of fishing. Their escapades continued with multiple weekends in Monterey and Carmel.
Del was also known as a master woodworker. His projects grace churches, concert halls, schools and libraries. He was always working on projects to create something new for his family and friends. His projects entered in the Ventura County Fair often took home the blue ribbon. His creations are treasured by many as they are truly one-of-a-kind and works of art.
Along with an impeccable eye for creating a great hairstyle, Del also found the time to maintain his home garden. His talents were applied to a wide range of subjects, from exotic flowers to large fruit trees, and the garden always brought him great joy.
Del was also a man of deep faith in Catholic doctrine. On the night of his passing on the nightstand his prayer book was open, and the last passage he read shared this thought - “Increase in my soul the heavenly virtues of faith, hope and charity.”
Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Friend - you have achieved that blessing. We will love you forever. Rest now in Our Lord’s Embrace.
Del married the love of his life, Rosemarie Meza, on November 14, 1959. They celebrated 63 years of marriage and raised two beautiful daughters, Ellen (Kevin) and Elizabeth (Fritz, dec. 2013). They enjoyed sharing and entertaining their four grandchildren, Michael, Daniel, John and Catherine.
Del was preceded in death by three siblings, Carmen, Richard and Frank, and he is survived by six siblings, loving sisters Teresa and Rachel, and brothers Ralph, Ben, Raul and Art. Del is survived by a very large and loving family.
To honor Del, friends and family are invited to his services. On Tuesday, October 3 at 4:00 p.m. the Rosary will be held at the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 757 E. Main Street in Ventura.
The Funeral Mass Services will be held on Wednesday, October 4 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Road in Ventura. Burial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road in Ventura.
Flowers are welcomed, or donations in Del Corona’s name can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.