John Joseph Hurtado's Obituary
John Joseph Hurtado
August 21, 1931 - October 1, 2025
John Joseph Hurtado, 94, of Escondido, California, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, surrounded by family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud veteran, John lived a life defined by service, strength, and an unwavering love for his family. John, affectionately known as "Pop," lived his 94 years with strength, humor, and an infectious zest for life. Whether sharing meals with family or receiving anonymous thanks from grateful strangers for his military service, he touched hearts wherever he went. His legacy lives on in the Hurtado blood—strength of character and, as his family lovingly says, "a little of his crazy too."
John was born on August 21, 1931, in El Modena (Orange), California, to parents Norberto and Issac Hurtado. The family later moved to Escondido, where John would build his life and legacy. He attended Central School as a young boy and graduated from Escondido High School with the Class of 1950.
Following graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army, serving with the 1st Army Special Forces Command Airborne as a paratrooper in Fort Benning, Georgia, also known as "the first Green Berets," Pop was not just any soldier. He was one of the first Army Rangers to emerge from Escondido during the Korean War era (1950-1953), when the Ranger program was still experimental and connected to the 10th Special Forces Group. He served under Col. Aaron Bank, the Father of the Green Berets, in a segregated unit comprised of Black, Mexican, and Native American soldiers—making his service both unique and historically significant. His service to his country was a source of immense pride, and he carried the strength and character of that experience throughout his life.
After his military service, John worked as a Journeyman Sheet Metal worker for 32 years, holding roles in Los Angeles, Orange County, Tustin and San Diego. He helped build the San Onofre and Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plants. Pop also spent time working in the San Dieguito School District before retiring. An avid sportsman, he loved hunting and fishing and found great joy in coaching Escondido Girls Youth Soccer Teams to multiple championship seasons. His dedication to youth sports touched countless young lives in the community.
Pop and Mom met in grade school at Central School in Escondido, where rumor has it Pop used to follow Mom home from school and throw rocks at her for attention. They went their separate ways before reuniting at Escondido High School, and their romance blossomed into a lifetime partnership. They eloped to Las Vegas and were married for 65 beautiful years. After Mom's passing in 2014, Pop relocated to Prescott Valley, Arizona, where he spent his later years with his son John and family before returning to Escondido to live with his daughter Marisa in 2024.
John was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his wife Ruth Cordova Hurtado, and his youngest son John James Hurtado. He is survived by his children: Patricia Aldrich (Tony Aldrich), Adele Cunningham-Carr (preceded by Kenneth Cunningham, survived by husband William Carr), Ronald Hurtado (Jody), and Marisa Hurtado; his daughter-in-law Evelyn Hurtado (John James); 15 grandchildren: Adriana Hurtado King (Kennan), Moises Hurtado, Hannah Hurtado, Chance Hurtado, Eric Stanton (Tammy), Joseph Barrett (Rebecca), James Barrett, Kimberly Aldrich, Renee Cunningham Ayala (Armando), Nicole Cunningham Peterson (Jeff), Wesley Cunningham (Monica), JP Conley, Ryan Hurtado (Paty Macedo), Jaime Hurtado (Paul), and Robert Hurtado (Stephanie); and 23 great-grandchildren who were the joy of Pop's generational legacy.
Freedom is not free. Thank you, Pop, for your service, your love, and your example. Words cannot express how profoundly you touched every life you met. We, your children and family, were blessed beyond measure to have been loved by you and to have called you "Pop." You will be missed dearly.
Memorial services will be held at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary on Monday, November 3rd in Escondido, California. Pop will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery with military honors in the Hurtado family plot alongside his wife Ruth, son John James, and sister Amelia.
Viewing at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary between 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, with graveside service at 1:00 PM at Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery, followed by a reception from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
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