DOWNEY - Joe Rudy (Raul) Sarabia, a former planning commissioner for the city of Downey, has died at age 84.He was born in Downtown Los Angeles on May 29, 1927. After attending local schools, he served two years in the Army with the 11th Airborne Division, serving with the occupational forces in Japan. He worked 44 years for the city of Los Angeles in the Department of Public Works in the Bureau of Contract Administration, where he was a principle construction inspector. His major projects included preparation of the Los Angeles Civic Center and the Urban Renewal Program at Bunker Hill. He also served as a Downey planning commissioner, and was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife, Genevieve; sons, Jim Long and Dominic Sarabia; step-daughter, Jewel Holston; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Isabel and Armeda. A Rosary will be held Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at Saint Nicholas Church in Laguna Woods. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. at the same church, followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment will take place Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the charity of your choice.

********** Published: September 22, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 23