Nathan Valenzuela

Nathan Valenzuela was a beloved father, brother, son, friend, and partner, who loved life and was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends. He was a kind and generous father who was quick to laugh and loved his dogs and cats. Nathan was a man who enjoyed having occasional drinks with his friends, as well as passing time through great conversations.

Nathan was born on December 13, 1940 in the small copper mining town of Ajo, Arizona and was one of eight children. At the age of 16, Nathan joined the U.S. Army Airborne Special Forces where he served as a hand-to-hand combat instructor. After completing his Army tour, Nathan returned to his home town of Tucson, Arizona. Nathan then moved to Long Beach, California where he took on a career as an Aircraft Specialist for McDonnell Douglas, now known as Boeing. He later retired at the age of 50 and continued living his remaining years in the city of Long Beach.
Nathan fathered 6 children: Francisco Xavier Valenzuela, Ann Elizabeth Valenzuela Figueroa, Carla Valenzuela Rivera, Nathan Valenzuela Jr., Michael Valenzuela, and Wendy Valenzuela Prieto.

After battling lung cancer, Nathan succumbed to his illness and passed away at home on Tuesday July 13, 2021. While his loss will be felt by all who knew him, Nathan leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a lifetime of wonderful stories and memories for us to treasure.

Nathan is survived by his children - Francisco Xavier Valenzuela, Ann Elizabeth Valenzuela Figueroa, Carla Valenzuela Rivera, Michael Valenzuela and Wendy Valenzuela Prieto Valenzuela as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Absalom Valenzuela, Joel Valenzuela and Israel Valenzuela. He was blessed with a large and loving family who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 pm (PST) -4:30 pm on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Luyben Dilday Mortuary, 5161 E. Arbor Road, Long Beach, CA 90808.

The following day, August 14, 2021 a burial at sea ceremony will take place with the boat starting off from the Long Beach dock leaving at 8:00 A.M prompt.

Following the burial at sea ceremony family and friends are invited to join us at 1:00pm at the Elks Lodge Paramount, 8108 Alondra Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nathan’s name to the American Cancer Foundation (https://donate3.cancer.org).

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401