Mass of Christian Burial
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
Tuesday February 7th, 2023
10:00am
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DANNY NORIEGA
Danny Noriega was born in Phoenix, Arizona on April 7, 1959 and passed away on January 2, 2023, at the age of 63. He was the last-born child of Alfred and Antonia Noriega. Family was Danny’s priority, and he was always willing to help anyone in need. He also had many close friends whom he held close to his heart. Danny had a deep faith in God and was a faithful servant to the end.
Danny was employed at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School/ Church, OLPH as a custodian for 36 years. He’d rise in the morning every day before 4 A.M. to begin his workday. He worked hard. He never complained. The grounds were immaculate along with the school and church under Danny’s care. Danny enjoyed his job and interacting with his coworkers. He was well known, well liked, and sometimes feared at the same time. The children attending OLPH knew better than to leave their trash laying around. Danny may have been rough around the edges, but he had a heart of gold.
Danny was community oriented and participated in helping with church outings, activities and fundraisers. Things ran more smoothly due to Danny’s dedication and diligence.
Danny had no children of his own; however, he considered his pugs his ‘sons.’ He loved them and often said they were ‘spoiled’—which they were. They were well cared for and they loved to cuddle around the fireplace. Doobie was his first pug followed by Bandit, Beau, and Mr. Pugs.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Alfred and Antonia Noriega, his beloved sisters, Loida Islas and Toni Torres, his esteemed brother, Alfred Y. Noriega and his loving sister-in-law, Purita Noriega, and his beloved aunt, Socorro (Nina) Duran.
Danny is survived by his loving and loyal sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Hector Melgoza, his loving nieces whom he considered sisters: Sally & husband, Ross Felix, Brenda & husband Alfred Nyagwachi, and Debbie Ritorto. He is also survived by his nephew, Ted Noriega, and special nephews and nieces, Alfred & wife Jenny Noriega, and Anna & husband, Paul Olejnik and a special cousin, Ernie Duran. He leaves behind numerous nephews and nieces as well. Many thanks to his dedicated and good friend, Rodney Troutman, who was always supportive in times of need.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 124 Columbus Street Bakersfield, CA 93305, and Graveside services will be held immediately thereafter at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary 9101 Kern Canyon Road Bakersfield, CA 93306.
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Guestbook
He was the greatest guy and so very loyal to Garces and OLPH. I will miss him so very much!
Lonie M Wattenbarger Feb 4 2023 3:17 PM
Danny was my first full time employee at Our Lady of Perpetual Church. Danny had begun as a custodian for the parish school, but after the building that housed the parish hall/school cafeteria and school & parish offices was completed, I hired Danny to take full time care of the new facility, the church, and the grounds.
Like most employees at the time, Danny continued to be the lead custodian for the school and its grounds as well.
Danny came early to work, 4 am as noted elsewhere. His devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Church and School was unequaled. Plus, his concern for the priests and lay staff, though often accompanied with a gruffness tempered by a humor not always observed, was unbelievably loyal.
In 1995, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church received a Certificate of Recognition from the Beautiful Bakersfield awards in the landscaping category presented by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, nominated by Lisa Kimble. Danny was a primary reason why that award was given the church. Danny’s support of the late Rena Fagot and her efforts in decorating the Church, especially with four 20 ft Christmas trees for the holidays, made OLPH a unbelievably beautiful church and the grounds the envy of the neighbors.
Danny’s excitement when snow blanketed the church grounds in 1999, woke this pastor up at 4 am that morning. No Mass and no school today was Danny’s first greeting.
I credit Danny for also saving my life when he found me unconscious in the parish Rectory and summoned an ambulance. He had the difficult task of discovering my successor, Father Bert Mello, after he passed away in the same Rectory and alerting the parishioners gathered for morning Mass of Fr. Mello’s passing.
Danny’s death came too soon. But his devotion to OLPH Church and School, its priests, employees, parishioners, and children these many years assures him a fitting reward in heaven.
May he rest in peace.
Msgr. Michael Braun
Pastor Emeritus
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Bakersfield, CA
Msgr. Michael Braun Feb 3 2023 1:38 PM
A candle was lit in memory of DANNY NORIEGA
Sally Felix Feb 2 2023 1:30 AM
You are my Uncle, In my heart you were my brother. I will miss you Mr Bum. My heart hurts because I will miss your Voice. I Love You!
Sally Felix Feb 2 2023 1:15 AM
I can’t think of my parent and parishioner years at OLPH without thinking of Danny and how integral and vital he was to the success of so many school, church, and social functions. I know you share in the eternal life with God.
Kelly Lucas Feb 1 2023 2:01 AM