In Memory

David Sevilla

David Sevilla

Yearbook quote: "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."

David Sevilla, Vietnam veteran, opera singer

 

            Lifetime Claremont resident David Sevilla was a rather shy person, so much so that his lovely operatic voice never found its way into the public arena.

            “He had a gorgeous voice. Music was his passion,” said his sister, Delia Warrior. “But he was kind of a private person.”

            He loved opera and often attended performances. And, occasionally, he offered his own talents at small gatherings and functions.

            Mr. Sevilla, whose grandparents settled in Claremont in 1917, died on January 25, 2007 at PomonaValleyHospitalMedicalCenter. He was 64.

            Born in Pomona on October 21, 1942, Mr. Sevilla grew up in Claremont, attending Claremont schools and graduating from ClaremontHigh School in 1961. While at CHS, he played on the 1959 CIF championship football team.

            In the 60s, Mr. Sevilla enlisted in the US Navy and served two tours of duty on the USS Coral Sea during the Vietnam War. One of his responsibilities was directing aircrafts onto the ship.

            He attended ChaffeyCollege and worked for a time as a machinist with General Dynamics. He also worked in real estate.

            Traveling was one of Mr. Sevilla’s favorite pastimes. He enjoyed visiting Europe and particularly liked Italy and France. He also loved Hawaii and traveled there often.

            Mr. Sevilla’s sister commented that he had a very dry sense of humor.

            “You never knew what was going to come out of his mouth,” Ms. Warrior said.

            Recently, Mr. Sevilla relocated to an assisted living facility in Montclair.

            Mr. Sevilla is survived by his mother, Mary Sevilla of Montclair; by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret and “T” Mesa of Rancho Cucamonga and Delia and Ron Warrior of Placentia; by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray and Yvonne Sevilla of Walnut and Danny and Marilyn Sevilla of Ontario; by his brother, Richard Sevilla of Pomona; and by his 8 nieces and nephews.

            A Vigil Rite was held at Todd Memorial Chapel, Claremont, on February 1, 2007, and a Funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch on February 2, 2007. Interment took place at HolyCrossCemetery in Pomona.