It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of our father Reynaldo "Rey" Frutos, 76, of Santa Paula, California on February 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Rey was born on December 26, 1949 in Santa Paula, California, to Consuelo and Jesus Frutos. He attended Saint Sebastian School and graduated from Santa Paula High School in 1968 and later earned his associate degree from Ventura College and Sacramento State University.

Rey answered his country's call with courage and honor. A proud Vietnam Veteran, he served in the 11 th Armored Cavalry Regiment legendary "Blackhorse." Frutos achieved the rank of Sergeant as a Tank Commander in "A" Troop First Platoon. Some of his military awards include the prestigious Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. His time in the United States Army and later as a U.S. Marine Corp Reservists helped shape the integrity that would guide him throughout his life. His leadership and involvement in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) contributed to a strong community presence.

Often recognized as "Mr. Rey" he devoted 40 years of service to the Santa Paula Elementary School District, where he worked as both as a custodian and an outreach consultant, which allowed his true gift to shine through, helping students overcome challenges and reach their full potential. A respected leader within the California School Employees Association, he tirelessly advocated for educational staff and the well-being of students across the district.

A lifelong community champion, Rey embodied the heart and spirit of Santa Paula. With more than 50 years of dedication to Santa Paula Little League Baseball as a manager, coach, umpire, score keeper and board member. The time he invested with generations of local youth athletes went beyond the game, but also teaching the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. He was more than a coach, he was a role model and an immense influence to many.

Las palabras no pueden expresar el profundo dolor que nuestros corazones sienten en estos momentos. Nuestro Papá Rey era el pilar de nuestra familia, Él era y sigue siendo el ejemplo que siempre llevaremos con nosotros. Mi Mamá Carmelita pedía por un milagro, pero en los últimos momentos de mi Papá, El Espíritu Santo nos ilumino y nos hizo abrir los ojos que ese milagro ya se había concedido, de haber recibido el regalo tan maravilloso de un Gran Esposo, Papá, ¡y Abuelito! ¡Rogamos a Dios Nuestro Señor que reciba su alma que fue tan feliz y alegre en su vida aquí en este mundo!

Papá Rey muchas gracias por el bonito amor que compartiste con nuestra Mamá Carmelita y con nosotros Alex, Lizette, Omar y Yanette, ¡es inolvidable! ¡Siempre vivirá la semilla que tu plantaste en cada uno de nuestros corazones! Siempre vivirás en nuestras Almas!

Que En Paz Descanse Mi Papá Rey Frutos.

De todo corazón muchas gracias Familia- Tías, Tíos, Primos, y Primas por todo su amor, apoyo, y sus oraciones. Reciban un fuerte abrazo de parte de nosotros Carmelita, Alex, Lizette, Omar y Yanette.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Carmen Frutos; his children, David (Kim) Frutos, Tommy (Cindy) Frutos; Alyssa Karina, Tomas Jesus and Joseph Marcos; Alex (Felisha) Frutos: Alex Rey,Ivan David, Niah Brielle, Adam Everett; Lizette Frutos; Elijah Paul, Omar (Rocio) Frutos; Zaydin Rey; and Yanette Frutos.

His siblings, Anna (Robert) Sanchez, Frank (Eileen) Frutos, Ruben (Rosemary) Frutos, Jaime Frutos, Martha (Carl) Dugas, Rosa (Damian) Stehly, Michael (Dara) Frutos, Ralph (Lupe) Frutos, and Gabriel Frutos, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jesus N. Frutos.

Rey leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and community of his beloved Santa Paula and beyond that will continue to inspire generations to come. He will forever remain in our hearts.

On behalf of the Frutos Family we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our father's caregivers, nurses, Roze Room Hospice, and the VA care team.

Message from the family:

Words cannot express the deep pain our hearts feel at this moment. Our father, Rey, was the pillar of our family. He was, and continues to be, the example we will always carry with us.

My Mother, Carmelita, prayed for a miracle, but in my father's final moments, the Holy Spirit enlightened us and opened our eyes to see that the miracle we were praying for had already been granted. Having received the wonderful gift of a great Husband, Father, and Grandfather. We pray to God Our Lord that he may receive his soul, which was so happy and joyful during his life on our souls.

Papa Rey, thank you so much for the beautiful love you shared with our Mama Carmelita and with us- Alex, Lizette, Omar, Yanette, David, and Tommy. It is unforgettable and will forever be cherished. The seed you planted in each of our hearts will always live on. You will always live in our souls.

May our Father, REYNALDO V. FRUTOS, rest in peace.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to our family, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and community for all your love, support, and beautiful prayers. Please receive a big, warm embrace from all of us. Carmelita, Alex, Lizette, Omar, Yanette, David, and Tommy.