Henry Joseph Montijo

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Henry Joseph Montijo, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Friday January 13, 2023. He was a very special person; talented, witty and smart.

Henry was born on November 25, 1931 in Brawley, California. In his early years he worked with his parents as a farm laborer, traveling along California with little time for school. At 16, he enlisted in the Army. It was during this time that the Korean War began and he was sent to Korea with the 25th Infantry Division, 27th Infantry Regiment; “The Wolfhound Pack”. He was wounded in combat, awarded the Purple Heart and also received the Bronze Star for bravery in action. He met the love of his life Rosemary in Sacramento at church, and they had four children, David Montijo, Diana Montijo, Sharon Covarrubias (Xavier) and Sandra Montijo Giles (Brett). Henry attended a tech vocational school and began working at Aerojet. He later earned a Bachelor’s degree and embarked on a new career teaching at Sacramento City College.

Henry pursued many endeavors in his lifetime. He obtained his private pilot’s license and took many relatives and friends for rides. His mother-in-law Louisa Sidhu was his favorite companion for an airplane ride. He zip-lined, sky-dived, played piano and guitar, and traveled to many countries with his wife and children. He also loved to golf with his son-in-law, Xavier and friends.

Henry is survived by his wife, children, sister Esther Carter-Espinosa and many other family members. He loved his family, his large extended family, and he was loved in return. The pain of his passing is only eased by the many wonderful memories we will cherish for a lifetime to come.

Friends and family are invited to attend Henry’s Celebration of Life on Saturday February 11,  at 12 noon, at the VFW Hall at 2784 Stockton Blvd.