Josh Oropeza Memorial Fund

It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the news of the passing of Joshua Anthony Michael Oropeza. He was 34 years old.

Josh was born on July 13th 1989 in Glendora, California. He was raised in Fontana, California where he enjoyed playing flag football as a child. At the age of 9, Joshua began participating in the school band playing the trumpet. He continued to learn and build his talent through 12th grade at Henry J. Kaiser High School in Fontana. He performed in many local parades, most notably the televised Hollywood Christmas Parade. Josh was proud to lead the trumpet section when he received the high honor of first chair his junior year. By that point, he was already an active participant in the local band scene outside of school and continued to be through adulthood. He rocked the stage in various ska bands bringing his strong trumpet sound every performance. His resume is truly a legacy. Over the years he played with Eskarabajo, Top Shelf, Ayahuaska, The Faultlines, and most recently Cerebro Negro with whom he spent most of his career. He performed with Cerebro Negro in various states, on spanish television, and had studio recorded albums. The group is scheduled to take the stage at House of Blues Anaheim in September, a gig Josh was excited for.

Joshua became a father in 2011 to his son Serj. His daughter Julia followed in 2013. There isn't anything that brought a bigger smile to his face more than seeing his kids happy and taken care of. Visiting the arcade and seeing movies at the drive-in were among their favorite things to do together.

Josh loved to watch the Steelers on tv with his friends and family and was always ready to provide comic relief or a listening ear, whatever the people around him needed. He stood boldly for the things he believed in and privately asked pointed and thoughtful questions about things he didn't understand. He was not shy about letting people know he loved them, a trait many appreciated.

Joshua battled pneumonia for a month before losing his fight on August 27th 2023. He is predeceased by his great grandmother Julia Garcia; great grandfather Victor Garcia; grandfathers Gilbert P. Ortega and Jack Zabaneh; sister Christine Oropeza; aunt Lupe Gamarra; uncle Gilbert Ortega Jr; and cousins Samantha Renee Ortega, Derik Oropeza, Jeff Briggs, Samantha Maxine Ortega, and Andrew Ortega. He is survived by his children, Serj and Julia Oropeza and their mother Lizbeth Castro; his mother Elizabeth Oropeza and James Rios; his father Edward Oropeza Jr. and Kimberly Golden; his grandmothers Zenona Q. Ortega, Anita Zabaneh, and Sherri Oropeza; his grandfather Edward Oropeza Sr.; his great aunt Betty Rice; his brother Edward Oropeza III; his sister Alyssa Oropeza; his nieces Emma Rae and Mary Jane Matson; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Thank you to everyone for all the kind words and heartfelt memories that have been shared. We ask that any pictures of Joshua be uploaded to the following link:

Josh Oropeza Photo Circle App Link

GoFundMe proceeds will go towards his services and providing for his children.

Funeral information:

Joshua's service will be held at Norco Family Funeral Home

2645 Hamner Ave, Norco, CA 92860 on Saturday September 16th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Reception immediately following at 6619 Kerry Lane, Riverside CA, 92506 (entrance on Loveland Dr). Please join us to share memories of Josh over a meal.