Roll Call Tribute

WHITEHURST SULLIVAN BURNS & BLAIR FUNERAL HOME obituary
1525 EAST SAGINAW, FRESNO, CA 93704-4435 | 559-227-4048

Gaudencio Viloria Jr.
September 9, 1941 - November 28, 2017

Major Gaudencio Viloria Jr.
September 9, 1941 - November 28, 2017

Gaudencio Viloria Jr. was born in Fresno, CA on September 9, 1941, to Gaudencio and Margarite Viloria. Raised on the Golden Westside of Fresno, Sonny attended Franklin and Kirk Elementary Schools; Edison High School; and graduated from San Joaquin Memorial, class of 1959. Playing football prepared his body and mind for a 34 year career as a United State Marine.

Sonny's great-aunts always described him as a "bulldozer" when he was a child, never letting obstacles impede his path. Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 in June 1959, this unbridled drive carried Sonny through his career as he rose through each enlisted rank, served two tours as a Drill Instructor at MCRD, San Diego, and led Marines through combat with two tours in Vietnam, where he received multiple citations for gallantry and bravery.

Known throughout his decorated military career as "Vee," a serendipitous love story that would rival the greatest Hollywood romance began in 1968 when Staff Sergeant Vee met Judy while marching his Marines off the rifle range, and a 50-year love affair was born. Destined to be his greatest achievement, Sonny and Judy loved each other beyond words.

In 1972 Gunny Vee headed to Texas A&M University to help develop the NROTC Program, shaping the Marine Corps by developing Marine leaders. Sonny bulldozed his way through the Chief Warrant Officer ranks and returned to Texas A&M as a student, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Now commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, Captain Vee earned his Masters of Education Degree from the University of Maryland while serving on Okinawa, Japan.

With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, touching the lives of all he served with, Sonny's career as a Marine apexed with him becoming Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron-17 at the rank of Major. Major Vee retired from active duty service in 1993.

Spending a short time working with his brother at RJ's Linoleum Service, Sonny installed his one and only linoleum floor before working at A&M Flooring and before he met Nancy Hinds. Sonny then devoted the next 14 years of his life to "Honoring the Journey" as the Director of Administration and Human Resources for Hinds Hospice. Retiring again in 2013, health issues began compounding for Sonny. His courage, strength in faith, and unbound love for his family and friends carried him through travel, illness, surgeries, and celebrations.

On November 28, 2017, Sonny passed away peacefully at home in the grace of God. Sonny believed with all his heart that his close relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary delivered him safely through countless dangers and gave him great comfort all through his days. He is survived by his brother, R.J. Viloria; the love of his life, Judy Viloria; daughters Roni, Chris, Vera, Paulina, Margie, and Lucy; and his son, Denny G. Viloria II.

Of all the innumerous lessons taught by Sonny Viloria, the last and most important lesson was that we should love each other and hold each other close.

In the words of his Uncle Larry, Major G. Viloria Jr. is "Gone, but Not Forgotten."

~Semper Fidelis


Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral home on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center on Wednesday, December 13, at 10:00 am.

Interment will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella on Thursday, December 14, at 11:00 am.

Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice at 2490 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711