Avelardo "Bill" Herrera Melgoza

In loving memory of Avelardo (Bill) Herrera Melgoza born April 7, 1965 in El Triunfo Michoacán, Mexico to parents Teresa Melgoza and Eliodoro Herrera. Avelardo passed away at the young age of 56 on May 1, 2021 due to complications with pneumonia. He resided in Long Beach and was raised in the Torrance area from the age of six.

Avelardo leaves behind his wife Maria Fonseca, (brothers) Alvaro, Eliodoro, Alejandro, (sisters) Maria, Magola (Maggie), Laura and Araceli. He is preceded in death by his parents Eliodoro and Teresa Herrera.

Our brother (nuestro hermano) was a kind, giving, quiet and very hard-working man who rarely complained about anything. Avelardo was given his nickname “Bill” at a very young age by two men he worked for at our corner market in “Las Catalinas.” His boss could not pronounce Avelardo so they decided “Bill” would work best and so for 40 plus years most of his family called him Bill or Billy.

Avelardo enjoyed sports, in particular soccer, baseball and football, he was a proud Raiders’ fan. He also enjoyed gatherings with “carne asada,” music, card games and simply enjoying time with his wife, familia and small circle of friends. If you needed help moving, working, chores or projects, he would extend a strong helping hand with a smile and pride.

Fill Not Your Hearts - Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Because, I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understand, in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.

No llenen sus corazones de dolor y tristeza, pero recuérdame en cada mañana. Recuerda la alegría, la risa, las sonrisas, solo he ido a descansar un poco. Aunque mi partida causa dolor y sufrimiento, mi partida me ha quitado mi dolor y me dio alivio. Entonces seca tus ojos y recuérdame, no como ahora lo soy, pero como solía ser. Porque, los recordaré a todos y los miraré con una sonrisa. Entiendan, en tu corazones, solo me he ido a descansar un poco tiempo. Mientras tenga el amor de cada uno de ustedes, puedo vivir mi vida en el corazones de todos ustedes.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401