September 19, 1936 – August 7, 2026
Eliseo C. Vasquez, a longtime resident of Hollister, California, United States Army veteran, devoted husband and father, musician, and member of American Legion Post 69, passed away on August 7, 2026, just weeks before his 90th birthday.
Eliseo was born on September 19, 1936, in Coahuila, Mexico. At a young age, he left Mexico for San Antonio, Texas, where he was raised and attended school. He later came to California as a young man and made Hollister his home in 1956.
In 1959, Eliseo began working for Gentry in Gilroy. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army. His employer held his job for him while he answered his country’s call to service.
Eliseo served on active duty in the Army from 1959 to 1961, followed by four years in the Army Reserve. He completed basic training at Fort Ord and was assigned to missile artillery. He served with Battery C, 3rd Missile Battalion, 1st Artillery, in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area as part of the Army’s air-defense mission during the Cold War.
Eliseo served at a Nike missile battery, initially working with the radar system before becoming an officer’s driver. As a driver, he transported senior officers and traveled regularly between the battery’s separate control and missile sites. He remembered his Army years fondly and particularly enjoyed his time as a driver.
Following his active military service, Eliseo returned to California and to Gentry, where he built a remarkable career spanning approximately 40 years. He worked for the company from 1962 until his retirement in 2000, in addition to his time there before entering the Army.
Through hard work and determination, Eliseo learned all aspects of the business and was eventually promoted to supervisor. Recognizing his abilities, the company paid for him to further his education. He attended Gavilan College at night, studying accounting while continuing to work. His dedication was recognized on more than one occasion when he was honored as Employee of the Year.
While Eliseo took pride in his military service and his career, family was at the center of his life. He married his beloved wife, Juana, at the age of 18 after the two met in Colorado. Eliseo and Juana shared 58 years of marriage and built a life and family together. They were the parents of five children: Rosie Lopez; Eliseo Vasquez, Jr. (Romie); Sylvia Gutierrez (Manuel); Richard S. Vasquez (Lori Alvarez); and Robert Vasquez. Eliseo and Juana experienced the profound loss of their son Robert, who passed away in 1973 at the age of 15.
Eliseo took great pride in watching his family grow. He was a loving grandfather to his eight grandchildren: Robert Vasquez, Paula Rico, Leo Vasquez, Walter Irish, Kayla Gonzalez, Nichole McCleod, Alicia Espinoza, and Gabriella Alvarez. He was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Genevie DeLeon, Nathan DeLeon, Alyssa Vasquez, Isaiah Gonzalez, Ariel Gonzalez, Edward Rico, Lukas Vasquez, Olivia Vasquez, Abby Espinoza, and Ally Espinoza. Eliseo is also remembered with love by numerous nieces and nephews, along with his extended family, friends, fellow veterans, and members of American Legion Post 69.
Eliseo and Juana enjoyed traveling together, particularly visiting family in Texas and Mexico. They also enjoyed trips to Reno, where Eliseo was known to enjoy a little gambling and a good time.
Music was another important part of Eliseo’s life. His father was a musician, and Eliseo continued that family tradition. He played both the violin and guitar and at one time had his own band. Music provided him with enjoyment throughout his life and was one of the many ways he enjoyed spending time with others.
Those who knew Eliseo will also remember his willingness to help people. He believed in lending a hand when someone needed it, and that generosity toward others was an important part of the way he lived his life.
His military service remained a source of pride throughout his life. As a member of American Legion Post 69 in Hollister, Eliseo continued the fellowship and camaraderie he shared with his fellow veterans.
Eliseo lived a long and full life – nearly 90 years marked by service to his country, devotion to his family, decades of hard work, music, travel, friendship, and helping others.
He will be remembered as a soldier and veteran, a hardworking and respected employee, a musician, a Legionnaire, a friend, and, most importantly, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He leaves behind a family, a community of friends, and fellow veterans who will remember him with love, gratitude, and respect.
May he rest in peace.
Viewing:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home, 870 San Benito Street, Hollister, California.
Memorial Service:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home
Burial Service:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Calvary Cemetery. 1100 Hillcrest Road, Hollister