Charles Sierra

On Wednesday January 27, 2021, Charles Sierra, loving father, grandfather, husband and brother passed away at age 93.

Charles, or “Charlie”  was born on October 5, 1927, in Los Angeles, California to Ernesto and Julia (Arzate) Sierra. He attended and graduated from Robert Louis Stevenson Junior High and Theodore Roosevelt High School. He received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from California State University, Los Angeles on February 1, 1957 and his Master's degree in Delinquency Control from the University of Southern California on November 16, 1973. He worked for the State of California in Human Resources and Social Services for many years and retired from the State Department on August 3, 1991. On January 10, 1953 he married Isabel Romero. They raised one daughter, Rita and three sons: Ronald; Robert; and Raymond. Charlie also had four grandchildren: Lauren; Camille; Michael; and Isabella. 

Charlie had a passion for sports and had a successful minor league baseball career in the Texas El Paso leagues playing for both the El Paso Texans and the Odessa Oilers from 1947 to 1948. He both batted and threw left handed. Charlie played baseball in the East Los Angeles Mexican-American leagues for the Carmelita “Los Chorizeros”. Charlie also had a minor league tryout with the Boston Red Soxs. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1950 to 1951 and played baseball for one of their baseball teams as well. 

Charlie was a family man and often took trips with his wife and kids to places across the country. He loved camping; one of his favorite places was in a forest admiring nature. He was known for his generosity, honesty and support of others. Charlie also had a great passion for music. His collection of jazz music was equal to his knowledge of the great and influential musicians from the eras of big band, swing and jazz. His love for his family was an incredible drive throughout his life. This was evident in his joyous involvement with family vacations, Christmas celebrations, the kids’ and grandkids’ birthday parties and family gatherings. Each event was special for Charlie. 

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Isabel Romero Sierra, and both his parents. He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Rita and John Beyers; Ronald and Patricia Sierra; Robert Sierra; and Raymond and Clarissa Sierra; as well as his four grandchildren: Lauren; Camille; Michael; and Isabella. Charlie is also survived by younger brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family, and long time friends. Charlie will have a private family service having been cremated on February 2, 2021. The family only asks that you take time to remember the good times you had with him.

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