Former Bell Gardens Assistant City Manager John Oropeza passed away suddenly on Jan. 13 following a brief illness. Oropeza, 58, had just retired at the end of December after an impressive 38-year career in public service.
“I was so fortunate and blessed to have worked with John for 20 years as part of the Bell Gardens family,” said City Manager Philip Wagner in a statement.
“He truly loved serving the community and was a loyal and dedicated public servant. He devoted his entire working career, nearly four decades, to the City of Bell Gardens.”
“His dedication to the City was unfailing and he enjoyed the challenges of municipal government,” Wagner added.
Officials from the City of Whittier, where Oropeza lived, also expressed sadness over his death.
Read more about Oropeza’s life and passing here.