John Frank Ayala

John F. Ayala was 78 and was born October 3, 1943 and spent his life growing up in Los Angeles , California.  He was the son of John and Josephine Ayala and had 3 siblings; Joe(Lorrie),  Juliet (Mitchell) and Cecilia(Richard).

He served in the United States Army with the 25th Infantry Division in the Vietnam War from April 27, 1965 to April 26, 1967. He was an honored and decorated soldier, having received awards that included The Purple Heart. After he returned home, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department and dedicated himself to serve and protect for 33 years before retiring. During these years of service he again received numerous awards and commendations. 

In 1967 he met the love of his life, Teresa Dukehart, and they were married in 1969. They bought their first home in Lakewood, California where they started their family. John and Teresa have a daughter, Mary(Mark) and a son, John(Dayna). Their family grew to include grandchildren; Candice(Justin), John, Michael, Matthew, Mathew and Brandon.

Besides the passion of his military service and police service, John was first and foremost defined as a family man whose life was a demonstration to all of unconditional love, compassion, dedication, devotion and loyalty. Family meant the most to him. 

His hobbies and passions were many but he found so much happiness in rooting on the Los Angeles Dodgers, watching boats come in and out of the harbor and lifting his head to the skies to watch airplanes overhead. (Or his beloved geese that flew over his home daily.)  

John has traveled this country and the world with his wife always by his side. They had friends all over the country. They would travel annually to destinations all over the country for military reunions.

He eventually established Huntington Beach as his forever home in 1996 and has resided there for the last 26 years. He adored the California coast especially. John knew everyone and everyone knew John. If he met a stranger, they eventually became a friend. He just loved people. He touched so many lives and his memory will touch generations to come.

His celebration of Life service will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Huntington Beach,  California on June 4, 2022 at 10 a.m. 

If you feel so led, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation in his honor/name supporting military veterans all across the country. (Please use the email cutnstitch@me.com to let us know of your donation.) He was and will always be our personal HERO.