Vintage Photos of Lawrence "Larry" De la O

Memorial Service for Uncle Larry De La O

This past Saturday, January 23, 2010, a memorial service and a grave site visit was held at the Calvary Cemetery in East Los Angeles. It was a small, intimate service with family and friends including members of the American Legion, of which Larry, a U.S. Army veteran, was a member. Along with members of aunt Frances' "Panchita" family, nieces and nephews of Larry were in attendance, including, Jimmy Caldero, Gloria Jean Miramontes, Gary De La O and myself. There was also a Mariachi band that played several songs including "El Rey" which was dedicated to my uncle. Larry was buried in the Roggero family plot. The service was given by the Roggero family.

I had not seen my uncle Larry in several years. My memories of him are from years ago. He was my father's oldest brother. It pleases me to know that he found peace and happiness with aunt Panchita and that they built a life together. It became apparent during the service how much Larry meant to her family and it occurred to me that it was their loss. My condolences to the Roggero family on their loss. Rest in peace uncle Larry.

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Family Photos with Larry De La O

My father Andrew (R) with my uncle Larry circa 1960 

at our home in Santa Fe Springs, California

My father Andrew, Uncle Larry and my brother Dennis

early 1970's

Me and Dennis, Uncle Larry, my father Andrew, Uncle Jimmy
and cousin Gary De La O
The Summer of 1972

Lawrence "Larry" S. De La O Has Passed Away

Lawrence "Larry" S. De La O, 96, passed away December 23, 2009 in Los Angeles, CA. He is survived by his wife, best friend and companion of forty two years, Frances "Panchita" De La O.

Born in New Mexico and raised in a two-room Dona Ana adobe, Larry worked cotton and vegetable fields in the Southwest, and ran a successful shoe-shine boy operation before riding the rails to Southern California during the Great Depression. There, life as a pachuco helped develop his business skills as owner of pool halls, night clubs and pawnshops, and his talents as jeweler, ace pool shooter and expert card player (including work as a Nevada casino pit boss). An extraordinary musician, dancer, singer and entertainer, he played any number of instruments by ear, joining mariachi groups and forming personal friendships with Mexico's Golden Age entertainment stars, including José Alfredo Jíménez, TinTan, Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete. (José Alfredo dedicated his masterpiece "El Rey" to Larry.) An Army veteran, a man with a genius memory and an unbounded sense of humor, a prolific creative joke-teller, a loving husband and caring dad and grandfather, a generous humanitarian at heart, and life-long friend of members of the Raymond Apodaca Family of Las Cruces and the Fountain Family of Old Mesilla. Larry is and will be greatly missed. He was "one of a kind".
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Mortuary 4201 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90023, 323-261-3106. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Legion.

Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on January 17, 2010

The Guest Book will remain online until 2/16/2010

Ode to Forgetfulness

If you have ever walked into a room and can't remember why you went there or if you have ever looked for your glasses while you were still wearing them then this video is for you. Check it out. It's pretty funny.

Pechanga Casino and Resort

The Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California is the premiere Casino and Hotel in Southern California and while it's not quite the Belagio or Mandalay Bay, it is somewhat reminiscent of old Las Vegas, at least in atmosphere. It has all the usual; slots, blackjack, poker, pai gow and has some really good onsite restaurants along with a food court. My wife Jeri and I had breakfast at the Pechanga Cafe. The Breakfast buffet was outstanding, though there could have been a few more choices. I also had a Philly Cheesesteak at the American Classics at the food court. I would have had two but it was getting late. There is also first class entertainment at the Pechanga Showroom, most recently Merle Haggard performed there, which is why we were there in the first place.. There is also professional boxing, with a fight schedule in February 12, of this year. Joe Frazier will be on hand greet his fans.

Our room was on the ninth floor and we had a great view of the golf course and the clubhouse, along with the hills that form the Temecula Valley. The rooms were clean, the bathroom was very roomy and the room itself was as good as any I have stayed in. The bed was comfortable. The service at the hotel was outstanding.

The Pechanga is located in wine country and is just a few miles from Old Town Temecula, which is filled with antique shops and restaurants. In May one of the big local events is Western Days. If you're there for the weekend there is plenty to do.

Two views from our room overlooking the golf course

The Clubhouse

Merle Haggard Concert at the Chino Downs Ranch-1982

Jeri and I at the Chino Downs Ranch concert parking-1982

Merle Haggard  and friends at the Chino Downs Ranch in Chino, California 1982

Merle Haggard at the Pechanga Resort and Casino-2010

Merle Haggard and the Strangers at the Pechanga Showroom

Jeri and I first saw Merle Haggard in 1982 at the Chino Downs Ranch  and again a few years later at the Universal Amphitheater. At the time Merle Haggard was already a certified star and a country music icon with few peers. This past Friday night at the Pechanga Resort and Casino, almost 28 years later, he was without peer. That he has aged and mellowed  is undeniable but like a fine vintage wine “The Hag” has only improved with age.  He wears the mantle of greatness well and has eased comfortably into a living legend in the music industry.

My daughter Meranda, knowing how we feel about Merle Haggard gave us two tickets to the concert for Christmas. We couldn’t wait. When Haggard came onto the stage the crowd showed it’s appreciation, standing and cheering as he walked from one side of the stage to the other, grinning and waving and showing his appreciation as well.

He spoke for a few minutes and then opened with “Working Man Blues”, my favorite Haggard song.. He sang  the  late Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and while Cash owns that song,  Haggard did his old friend proud, singing and playing as only Merle Haggard can. He went through many of his past hits and the  selections seemed to be spontaneous  and a few came at the urging of the crowd, as was the case with “Swinging Doors” . The crowd stood and cheered when he sang “Fighting Side of Me”. If anything, Haggard plays with more passion than ever. Haggard was in an extremely good mood as he joked and chatted with the audience, much more so than I remember from his earlier concerts. He seemed to relish his age and his life experiences and it showed in his performance.

I’m not sure what the seating capacity is in the Pechanga Showroom but every seat seemed filled. The showroom was large enough to hold a good crowd but had an intimate feel to it. It was the perfect venue for Merle Haggard.  Friday’s concert was one of those moments you never want to end.

Thanks for the tickets, Honey!