John L Murillo
October 25, 1934 – February 14, 2022
ramona
John Leonard Murillo peacefully passed away on February 14, 2022, with his wife, daughter, and stepson by his side. A San Diego native, John was deeply committed to his family and was known for his loving and competitive spirit. Whether music, education, sports, career, or family, John held an unwavering commitment to each and the rewards they reaped throughout every aspect of his 87 years of life.
The Early Years
The eldest of five children to parents Rufina and John B. Murillo, John attended Washington Elementary School, Horace Man Junior High School, San Diego High School, and San Diego State University, and took extensions courses at UCLA.
John excelled on the baseball field at San Diego High School, followed by his participation in recreational and semi-pro leagues for which he traveled often throughout the United States.
He was also a proud member of the Coast Guard Reserves.
The Middle Years:
A veteran of the aerospace industry, John began as an apprentice for the tool and the trade. He enjoyed a long and successful career in engineering before retiring in 2000 from Whittaker as its director of pricing.
While building his career in the San Fernando Valley, John celebrated the birth of his only child, Cristina, in 1963, with whom he maintained an extremely close dad/daughter relationship until his passing. They enjoyed a lifetime of sports together and years of cheering the UCLA Bruins while debating countless wins and losses over 40 UCLA seasons. He was an extraordinary father whose dedication to his daughter was unrivaled to the end.
In 1970, while coaching a women’s softball team, John met Florine Henton, with whom he would happily share the next 52-1/2 years. Florine and her only child, Stewart, quickly became part of the “Murillo” family. John coached Stewart’s Little League teams both minor, major, and senior leagues, and they also played many competitive racquetball games together.
golden years
A shared passion for golf led John and Florine to Ramona in 1998. That same year, he and Florine married after 28-1/2 years of “dating.” They formed many close friendships and enjoyed their retirement years taking several cruises and golf trips.
John is survived by his wife Florine, daughter Cristina Murillo-Walters, stepson Stewart Henton, grandchildren Nicole Galvan, Becca Davis, Allison Henton, Jessica Henton, great-grandchildren Charlie Galvan and Elias Galvan, brother Arnold Murillo, cousin Fredi Martinez, nephews and Nieces Brian Murillo (aka godson), Christiana Marchese, Kevin Grant, Mia Grant, and Derron Murillo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Rufina Murillo, sister Anita Grant, and two brothers, Hilbert and Larry Murillo.
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Published by Ramona Sentinel on Mar. 24, 2022.
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