Nicolas T. Medina's Obituary
In loving memory of Nicholas Medina, we are saddened to announce his passing on April 14, 2020. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.
Nicholas Torres Medina, was born on January 15, 1934 in Tulare, California to Otilia and Nicholas Medina, Sr. In 1920, his parents set out on foot from Zacatecas Mexico to Juarez, Texas. Nicholas had two brothers, Armando, and Benito and three sisters, Lina, and Rosa (twins) and Margaret. The family ended up moving to Stockton, California. The Medina family were agricultural workers.
Nicholas attended elementary school in Stockton and was only able to complete the 4th grade in order to start working in the fields. He was even sent away from home for a year to help on a farmer’s ranch at the age of 10 or younger.
On August 10, 1954, Nicholas joined the United States Army as a Specialist 3rd Class. He was honorably discharged from active duty on July 14, 1956.
After service Nicholas and his family returned to Baja California. There he met the love of his life, Lucy Cerda. They were married in 1956. In 1963, Nicholas and Lucy settled in National City, California and raised seven children: Grace Medina, Alicia Medina, Nick Medina, Rosalee Medina, Efren Medina, Eva Medina Navarro, and Irene Medina. His wife Lucy Medina and son Efren preceded him in death.
Nicholas, known as “Tata” to his loved ones, was a charming man who enjoyed flirting, welcomed all, loved all and always was the life of the party. He was always full of stories, jokes and good times.
Tata also knew the value of hard work. He was proudly employed as cement union laborer for Local 89 for over 30 years. He had many hobbies and interests. He was a creative man and loved to build. He was a champion pool player, bowler, fisherman, and excellent dancer.
He enjoyed playing instruments, and even invented the famous “Thina-locha” (A.K.A. bass instrument).
Nicholas was also known for his heroic attributes. One day on his way home from work he spotted an overturned Vowels Company truck engulfed in flames. In the nick of time, he was able to rescue the trapped men. He single-handedly saved their lives one by one. With no credit expected, Nicholas went home to his family and was later identified by the men as the hero that saved their lives.
Nicholas was a religious man who always loved and looked forward to attending church on Sunday mornings. He was a member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where years earlier he and Lucy had renewed their 25th year wedding anniversary vows.
Nicholas will always be remembered for living a life full of love and family.
Nicholas who passed away due to COPD complications is survived by his remaining children, 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. His viewing will be held on April 24, 2020, at Greenwood Mortuary at 5:00pm. His burial ceremony will be determined later when health restrictions are lifted.
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