Obituary of Felipe Tabera

Felipe Tabera, age 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 8, 2008 at the French Hospital in San Luis Obispo, CA, after a short illness. Felipe was born in Caldwell, Texas on May 26, 1928. Felipe served in the U.S. Army as Sergeant First Class-E7 for 20 years and was a US RANGER. He retired from the military in Fort Ord, CA, where he began his overseas military service. Felipe served in the Korean War, being stationed along the DMZ until the end of this war. Following this assignment, he was stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco with the Honor Guard Detachment. He was subsequently stationed in Germany along the Berlin Wall, Fort Sill,, Oklahoma and Fort Benning, Georgia for Advanced Training, Alaska, Texas, and in Vietnam as one of the first military advisors to train Vietnamese troops in 1962. Following his tour of duty in Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Ord, CA where he served as one of the US Army's first drill instructors training hundreds of soldiers during the 1960's. Felipe's final duty came to an end following service at the DMZ in Korea. During his military career he received numerous commendations and service medals. Following his discharge from the US Military, he was employed at Firestone and then the Monterey County Sheriff's Department Rehabilitation Center for 15 years as a supervising Sergeant until his retirement. He was also employed by the Northpoint Plaza Apartments in Salinas for 12 years and worked for Waste Management Jolon Landfill for another five years where he finally retired in 2007. Don Felipe's Fine Mexican Restaurant in Salinas was named in his honor. Felipe made great Menudo and won a Menudo Cook-off. He was very proud of this award. Felipe also loved gardening and took a tremendous amount of pride in his plants, trees, and flowers. He created his own "oasis" at his home on Jolon Rd. He was a hardworking man until the end of his life and was alsways there to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He was greatly loved by many, and had a kind and loving personality that will always be remembered. He attended the Celebration Worship Center, formerly Oak Park Community Church in Salinas for 12 years prior to moving to King City. He in preceded in death by 2 Daughters, Doris and Dora Tabera, Step son, Rodrick Rozin, Brother, Santos Robledo, and Parents, Gavino and Petra Tabera. Survivors Wife of 32 Years Alice Tabera of the Family Home Daughter Dolores Tabera and Ernie Arvizu Step Daughters Suzanne and David Contreras Michele DiMaggio Sons Phillip and Hermelinda Tabera Mitchell and Christine Tabera Step Sons Kenneth and Lydia Rozin Walter Rozin Sisters Jerry and Ben Cruz Julia and Joe Ybarbo Chita and Ben Vega Linda Gonzales Brothers Tony and Queta Robledo David Robledo He was blessed with 20 Grand Children and 20 Great Grand Children