Gregory C. Avila

Gregory C. Avila Jr. was born to Gregorio and Ada Avila in Riverside, CA on January 31, 1936. Greg grew up traveling up and down the state of California, Nevada and Utah with his parents and sisters as migrant farm workers. Greg joined the US Navy at 17 years of age in 1953 and received honorable discharge in 1957. Upon discharge, he started attending college classes at night, while working during the day. His first job after leaving the military was with ROHR aircraft in Riverside, CA. While working there he received commendations for his forward thinking and progressive ideas. Greg started working for the California Department of Corrections in 1962. His first position was a correctional officer at CRC in Norco. During this time, he finished school and received his Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA. He always taught his children and grandchildren that education is key to success. After receiving his degree, he then transferred to Chino where he was promoted to Correctional Program Supervisor I and II. For ten years, he served the department as a Parole Officer and quickly moved up from Parole Officer I, II and III. His next promotion was to Counseling Supervisor at California Men's colony in San Luis Obispo. From there he was promoted to Community Resource Manager at Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown, followed by another promotion to Program Administrator. He was responsible for over 1,400 prisoners and a 60 million dollar budget. Greg's final promotion was to Associate Warden at California Department of Corrections, Corcoran where he was responsible for opening Corcoran State Prison. He served as Acting Chief Deputy Warden during his last 18 months before retiring. Greg dedicated 30 1/2 years to the CDC. He accomplished his ultimate goal of building a vacation house in Baja, on an isolated beach for all of his family to enjoy. He was proof that you can do whatever you put your mind to, as long as you have a goal. Greg left four pieces of advice for the "youngsters" to follow and live by. 1. Never react emotionally, act intellectually. 2. Get an education: if you are in school, stay in school; if you are not in school, then enroll now. 3. Consider a major in Business Services; those who control the budget are often times those who possess the power to make changes. 4. Never kiss a buttock for a personal gain... Know your job and do it well, get an education. The benefits and rewards will follow. Greg was preceded in death by his father Gregorio, his mother Ada, and his sisters Sara Lopez, Tillie Aguilera, and Isabel Arredondo. He is survived by his sisters, Rose Chavez and Minga Palomares, and his loving wife Melinda, without whom Greg would not have been with us as long as he was. She was with him day and night. His children Mike Delrio, Tim Avila and wife Dorothy, Michael Avila and wife Tracey, Jolinda and husband Ruben Gonzalez, Anna and husband Nigel Vopalensky. Last but not least there are the most important people in "Papa's" life, his grandkids: Melinda, Jorgen, Amanda, Danielle, Megan, Ryan, Carli and Jake. We love you Papa!!!!! A memorial tribute may be made by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Gregory C. Avila

January 31, 1936 - April 11, 2017