Conrad Allen Negron, Sr., 88, of Indian Wells, California died Thursday, January 22, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his wife and family. He had been living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He died just twelve days after his son, actor Brad Taylor "Tay" Negron died from liver cancer. He was born Sunday, January 16, 1927 to Conrad and Florence "Flora" Negron in Manhattan, New York.
In December of 1944 , at the age of 17, he volunteered for the United States Navy and shipped off to Okinawa, Japan right before the end of World War II. His mother hesitantly signed off on her son's early entry into the military. In February 1945, he finished boot camp and entered the amphibious forces. By that summer, Negron hopped on the attack cargo ship — the USS Oglethorpe — for his first overseas deployment.
"We caught that ship sometime after Roosevelt died," Negron said. "As we sailed from the naval yard in New York City, I couldn't help but look for the subway elevated train where my mother worked pushing change at South Ferry," Negron said. "I looked through my binoculars, and there she was. It was a great thrill for me." He blew her a kiss — although she couldn't see the gesture. The ship was on its way to Pearl Harbor, via the Panama Canal. Once in Hawaii, Negron was assigned to a landing ship transport. "We were headed for the invasion of Japan," he said. En route to Okinawa, the ship received word that Japan surrendered. Negron, who heard the announcement on the ship's radio, said he was relieved. "I said, 'Thank God for Harry Truman.' He saved possibly 1 million American and Japanese lives," Negron said. The transport ship continued to Okinawa but was caught in a fierce storm. "The biggest typhoon in the history of the area came," he said. "The swells were a minimum of 80 to 100 feet. "The ship would shake, rattle and roll. And with a flat bottom, every time the ship would fall, the vibrating was so intense that we were on the lookout for welding cracks and loose rivets," he said. "They lost 20 ships," he said. "It was frightening. I'm a seafaring man, I prayed." Another young sailor near Negron also pleaded for his life. "He said, 'Please God, I won't gamble any more. I'll be a good boy,' " Negron said, recalling the fearful experience. The ship survived the storm and eventually made its way to the island. "We landed in Okinawa and slept on the beach that night," he said. The men were treated to the obligatory K-rations of Spam, dry biscuits and chocolate. Later, they made their way by truck through knee-deep mud to some barracks on the island. They were told to be aware of their surroundings because, although the Japanese had surrendered, the enemy still lurked nearby. "The Japanese did not want to give up," he said. "They were dedicated to killing us. They were hidden in caves and in the jungle." While exploring a cave, Negron and his mates made a horrific discovery. "There were skulls of Japanese dead," he said soberly. "We were looking maybe for a souvenir, a piece of a flag." The bodies had been burned to death during battle, most likely from flame throwers, he said. "The smell is the last thing in my mind," he said. He rose to the rank of Seaman Petty Officer 1st Class.
Negron praised the men who fought in the battles, calling them the "true heroes," along with those who lost their lives in service to their country. "As a young sailor, 17, 18 years old, I was so proud. I am so proud of this country, especially the guys 85 to 90 years old. They did all the work."
His older brother, Charles Negron, also served in the Navy and had a close call during the war. His ship was attacked by a kamikaze pilot during the Okinawa invasion on April 1, 1945.
"He was blown from the ship into the ocean and was later rescued," he said. "He survived. He is the hero, and he proved it in Okinawa and Leyte." Negron downplays his involvement in the war. "I was just one of the young kids who wanted to help the country," he said.
After his discharge in February of 1946, he played baseball in New York and California, including a game involving the Los Angeles Dodgers rookie team in 1958, which took place in Palm Springs, California.
He married the love of his life, Lucy Rosario. At the time of his passing they had been married sixty-five years.
In 1978, the Negrons moved to Indian Wells, California and became members of Indian Wells Country Club.
Mr. Negron was elected to the Indian Wells City Council in 1996 and served until 2007. He served as mayor of Indian Wells from 2001 to 2002. He served on the Indian Wells Planning Commission and Architectural Committee. In 2010, his book, "Religion Is it Giving God a Bad Name?" was published.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and a son.
In addition to his wife, he was survived by two sons, Conrad Allen Negron, Jr., of Naples, Florida and Alexander David "Alex" (Margaret Karen) Negron of La Quinta, California; three grandchildren, Conrad Evan Megron of Fullerton, California, Christina Negron of Palm Desert, California, and . Anne Marguerite "Annie" Negron; and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Alivia.
"We knew dad was sick and he was slowing down in his old age," said Negron's son, Conrad Negron Jr. "But it was so fast," he said. The family was just getting reorganized after holding a reception for Taylor at his parents' home. "To be honest, I think he died of a broken heart," Negron Jr. said.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Forest Lawn, 69855 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, California.
Sources: The Desert Sun, Denise Goolsby, January 27, 2015; "Indian Wells, The Luxurious Desert City That Has It All" by Jan Silver Maguire, Palm Springs Life, Financial Guide, Annual 2007, Indian Wells; "Ex-councilman Entered Military Early To Serve", by Denise Goolsby, The Desert Sun, November 26, 2009; Religion Is it Giving God a Bad Name? by Conrad Negron, 2010.
In December of 1944 , at the age of 17, he volunteered for the United States Navy and shipped off to Okinawa, Japan right before the end of World War II. His mother hesitantly signed off on her son's early entry into the military. In February 1945, he finished boot camp and entered the amphibious forces. By that summer, Negron hopped on the attack cargo ship — the USS Oglethorpe — for his first overseas deployment.
"We caught that ship sometime after Roosevelt died," Negron said. "As we sailed from the naval yard in New York City, I couldn't help but look for the subway elevated train where my mother worked pushing change at South Ferry," Negron said. "I looked through my binoculars, and there she was. It was a great thrill for me." He blew her a kiss — although she couldn't see the gesture. The ship was on its way to Pearl Harbor, via the Panama Canal. Once in Hawaii, Negron was assigned to a landing ship transport. "We were headed for the invasion of Japan," he said. En route to Okinawa, the ship received word that Japan surrendered. Negron, who heard the announcement on the ship's radio, said he was relieved. "I said, 'Thank God for Harry Truman.' He saved possibly 1 million American and Japanese lives," Negron said. The transport ship continued to Okinawa but was caught in a fierce storm. "The biggest typhoon in the history of the area came," he said. "The swells were a minimum of 80 to 100 feet. "The ship would shake, rattle and roll. And with a flat bottom, every time the ship would fall, the vibrating was so intense that we were on the lookout for welding cracks and loose rivets," he said. "They lost 20 ships," he said. "It was frightening. I'm a seafaring man, I prayed." Another young sailor near Negron also pleaded for his life. "He said, 'Please God, I won't gamble any more. I'll be a good boy,' " Negron said, recalling the fearful experience. The ship survived the storm and eventually made its way to the island. "We landed in Okinawa and slept on the beach that night," he said. The men were treated to the obligatory K-rations of Spam, dry biscuits and chocolate. Later, they made their way by truck through knee-deep mud to some barracks on the island. They were told to be aware of their surroundings because, although the Japanese had surrendered, the enemy still lurked nearby. "The Japanese did not want to give up," he said. "They were dedicated to killing us. They were hidden in caves and in the jungle." While exploring a cave, Negron and his mates made a horrific discovery. "There were skulls of Japanese dead," he said soberly. "We were looking maybe for a souvenir, a piece of a flag." The bodies had been burned to death during battle, most likely from flame throwers, he said. "The smell is the last thing in my mind," he said. He rose to the rank of Seaman Petty Officer 1st Class.
Negron praised the men who fought in the battles, calling them the "true heroes," along with those who lost their lives in service to their country. "As a young sailor, 17, 18 years old, I was so proud. I am so proud of this country, especially the guys 85 to 90 years old. They did all the work."
His older brother, Charles Negron, also served in the Navy and had a close call during the war. His ship was attacked by a kamikaze pilot during the Okinawa invasion on April 1, 1945.
"He was blown from the ship into the ocean and was later rescued," he said. "He survived. He is the hero, and he proved it in Okinawa and Leyte." Negron downplays his involvement in the war. "I was just one of the young kids who wanted to help the country," he said.
After his discharge in February of 1946, he played baseball in New York and California, including a game involving the Los Angeles Dodgers rookie team in 1958, which took place in Palm Springs, California.
He married the love of his life, Lucy Rosario. At the time of his passing they had been married sixty-five years.
In 1978, the Negrons moved to Indian Wells, California and became members of Indian Wells Country Club.
Mr. Negron was elected to the Indian Wells City Council in 1996 and served until 2007. He served as mayor of Indian Wells from 2001 to 2002. He served on the Indian Wells Planning Commission and Architectural Committee. In 2010, his book, "Religion Is it Giving God a Bad Name?" was published.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and a son.
In addition to his wife, he was survived by two sons, Conrad Allen Negron, Jr., of Naples, Florida and Alexander David "Alex" (Margaret Karen) Negron of La Quinta, California; three grandchildren, Conrad Evan Megron of Fullerton, California, Christina Negron of Palm Desert, California, and . Anne Marguerite "Annie" Negron; and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Alivia.
"We knew dad was sick and he was slowing down in his old age," said Negron's son, Conrad Negron Jr. "But it was so fast," he said. The family was just getting reorganized after holding a reception for Taylor at his parents' home. "To be honest, I think he died of a broken heart," Negron Jr. said.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Forest Lawn, 69855 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, California.
Sources: The Desert Sun, Denise Goolsby, January 27, 2015; "Indian Wells, The Luxurious Desert City That Has It All" by Jan Silver Maguire, Palm Springs Life, Financial Guide, Annual 2007, Indian Wells; "Ex-councilman Entered Military Early To Serve", by Denise Goolsby, The Desert Sun, November 26, 2009; Religion Is it Giving God a Bad Name? by Conrad Negron, 2010.
Conrad Allen Negron, Sr., 88, of Indian Wells, California died Thursday, January 22, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his wife and family. He had been living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He died just twelve days after his son, actor Brad Taylor "Tay" Negron died from liver cancer. He was born Sunday, January 16, 1927 to Conrad and Florence "Flora" Negron in Manhattan, New York.
In December of 1944 , at the age of 17, he volunteered for the United States Navy and shipped off to Okinawa, Japan right before the end of World War II. His mother hesitantly signed off on her son's early entry into the military. In February 1945, he finished boot camp and entered the amphibious forces. By that summer, Negron hopped on the attack cargo ship — the USS Oglethorpe — for his first overseas deployment.
"We caught that ship sometime after Roosevelt died," Negron said. "As we sailed from the naval yard in New York City, I couldn't help but look for the subway elevated train where my mother worked pushing change at South Ferry," Negron said. "I looked through my binoculars, and there she was. It was a great thrill for me." He blew her a kiss — although she couldn't see the gesture. The ship was on its way to Pearl Harbor, via the Panama Canal. Once in Hawaii, Negron was assigned to a landing ship transport. "We were headed for the invasion of Japan," he said. En route to Okinawa, the ship received word that Japan surrendered. Negron, who heard the announcement on the ship's radio, said he was relieved. "I said, 'Thank God for Harry Truman.' He saved possibly 1 million American and Japanese lives," Negron said. The transport ship continued to Okinawa but was caught in a fierce storm. "The biggest typhoon in the history of the area came," he said. "The swells were a minimum of 80 to 100 feet. "The ship would shake, rattle and roll. And with a flat bottom, every time the ship would fall, the vibrating was so intense that we were on the lookout for welding cracks and loose rivets," he said. "They lost 20 ships," he said. "It was frightening. I'm a seafaring man, I prayed." Another young sailor near Negron also pleaded for his life. "He said, 'Please God, I won't gamble any more. I'll be a good boy,' " Negron said, recalling the fearful experience. The ship survived the storm and eventually made its way to the island. "We landed in Okinawa and slept on the beach that night," he said. The men were treated to the obligatory K-rations of Spam, dry biscuits and chocolate. Later, they made their way by truck through knee-deep mud to some barracks on the island. They were told to be aware of their surroundings because, although the Japanese had surrendered, the enemy still lurked nearby. "The Japanese did not want to give up," he said. "They were dedicated to killing us. They were hidden in caves and in the jungle." While exploring a cave, Negron and his mates made a horrific discovery. "There were skulls of Japanese dead," he said soberly. "We were looking maybe for a souvenir, a piece of a flag." The bodies had been burned to death during battle, most likely from flame throwers, he said. "The smell is the last thing in my mind," he said. He rose to the rank of Seaman Petty Officer 1st Class.
Negron praised the men who fought in the battles, calling them the "true heroes," along with those who lost their lives in service to their country. "As a young sailor, 17, 18 years old, I was so proud. I am so proud of this country, especially the guys 85 to 90 years old. They did all the work."
His older brother, Charles Negron, also served in the Navy and had a close call during the war. His ship was attacked by a kamikaze pilot during the Okinawa invasion on April 1, 1945.
"He was blown from the ship into the ocean and was later rescued," he said. "He survived. He is the hero, and he proved it in Okinawa and Leyte." Negron downplays his involvement in the war. "I was just one of the young kids who wanted to help the country," he said.
After his discharge in February of 1946, he played baseball in New York and California, including a game involving the Los Angeles Dodgers rookie team in 1958, which took place in Palm Springs, California.
He married the love of his life, Lucy Rosario. At the time of his passing they had been married sixty-five years.
In 1978, the Negrons moved to Indian Wells, California and became members of Indian Wells Country Club.
Mr. Negron was elected to the Indian Wells City Council in 1996 and served until 2007. He served as mayor of Indian Wells from 2001 to 2002. He served on the Indian Wells Planning Commission and Architectural Committee. In 2010, his book, "Religion Is it Giving God a Bad Name?" was published.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and a son.
In addition to his wife, he was survived by two sons, Conrad Allen Negron, Jr., of Naples, Florida and Alexander David "Alex" (Margaret Karen) Negron of La Quinta, California; three grandchildren, Conrad Evan Megron of Fullerton, California, Christina Negron of Palm Desert, California, and . Anne Marguerite "Annie" Negron; and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Alivia.
"We knew dad was sick and he was slowing down in his old age," said Negron's son, Conrad Negron Jr. "But it was so fast," he said. The family was just getting reorganized after holding a reception for Taylor at his parents' home. "To be honest, I think he died of a broken heart," Negron Jr. said.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Forest Lawn, 69855 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, California.
Sources: The Desert Sun, Denise Goolsby, January 27, 2015; "Indian Wells, The Luxurious Desert City That Has It All" by Jan Silver Maguire, Palm Springs Life, Financial Guide, Annual 2007, Indian Wells; "Ex-councilman Entered Military Early To Serve", by Denise Goolsby, The Desert Sun, November 26, 2009; Religion Is it Giving God a Bad Name? by Conrad Negron, 2010.
In December of 1944 , at the age of 17, he volunteered for the United States Navy and shipped off to Okinawa, Japan right before the end of World War II. His mother hesitantly signed off on her son's early entry into the military. In February 1945, he finished boot camp and entered the amphibious forces. By that summer, Negron hopped on the attack cargo ship — the USS Oglethorpe — for his first overseas deployment.
"We caught that ship sometime after Roosevelt died," Negron said. "As we sailed from the naval yard in New York City, I couldn't help but look for the subway elevated train where my mother worked pushing change at South Ferry," Negron said. "I looked through my binoculars, and there she was. It was a great thrill for me." He blew her a kiss — although she couldn't see the gesture. The ship was on its way to Pearl Harbor, via the Panama Canal. Once in Hawaii, Negron was assigned to a landing ship transport. "We were headed for the invasion of Japan," he said. En route to Okinawa, the ship received word that Japan surrendered. Negron, who heard the announcement on the ship's radio, said he was relieved. "I said, 'Thank God for Harry Truman.' He saved possibly 1 million American and Japanese lives," Negron said. The transport ship continued to Okinawa but was caught in a fierce storm. "The biggest typhoon in the history of the area came," he said. "The swells were a minimum of 80 to 100 feet. "The ship would shake, rattle and roll. And with a flat bottom, every time the ship would fall, the vibrating was so intense that we were on the lookout for welding cracks and loose rivets," he said. "They lost 20 ships," he said. "It was frightening. I'm a seafaring man, I prayed." Another young sailor near Negron also pleaded for his life. "He said, 'Please God, I won't gamble any more. I'll be a good boy,' " Negron said, recalling the fearful experience. The ship survived the storm and eventually made its way to the island. "We landed in Okinawa and slept on the beach that night," he said. The men were treated to the obligatory K-rations of Spam, dry biscuits and chocolate. Later, they made their way by truck through knee-deep mud to some barracks on the island. They were told to be aware of their surroundings because, although the Japanese had surrendered, the enemy still lurked nearby. "The Japanese did not want to give up," he said. "They were dedicated to killing us. They were hidden in caves and in the jungle." While exploring a cave, Negron and his mates made a horrific discovery. "There were skulls of Japanese dead," he said soberly. "We were looking maybe for a souvenir, a piece of a flag." The bodies had been burned to death during battle, most likely from flame throwers, he said. "The smell is the last thing in my mind," he said. He rose to the rank of Seaman Petty Officer 1st Class.
Negron praised the men who fought in the battles, calling them the "true heroes," along with those who lost their lives in service to their country. "As a young sailor, 17, 18 years old, I was so proud. I am so proud of this country, especially the guys 85 to 90 years old. They did all the work."
His older brother, Charles Negron, also served in the Navy and had a close call during the war. His ship was attacked by a kamikaze pilot during the Okinawa invasion on April 1, 1945.
"He was blown from the ship into the ocean and was later rescued," he said. "He survived. He is the hero, and he proved it in Okinawa and Leyte." Negron downplays his involvement in the war. "I was just one of the young kids who wanted to help the country," he said.
After his discharge in February of 1946, he played baseball in New York and California, including a game involving the Los Angeles Dodgers rookie team in 1958, which took place in Palm Springs, California.
He married the love of his life, Lucy Rosario. At the time of his passing they had been married sixty-five years.
In 1978, the Negrons moved to Indian Wells, California and became members of Indian Wells Country Club.
Mr. Negron was elected to the Indian Wells City Council in 1996 and served until 2007. He served as mayor of Indian Wells from 2001 to 2002. He served on the Indian Wells Planning Commission and Architectural Committee. In 2010, his book, "Religion Is it Giving God a Bad Name?" was published.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and a son.
In addition to his wife, he was survived by two sons, Conrad Allen Negron, Jr., of Naples, Florida and Alexander David "Alex" (Margaret Karen) Negron of La Quinta, California; three grandchildren, Conrad Evan Megron of Fullerton, California, Christina Negron of Palm Desert, California, and . Anne Marguerite "Annie" Negron; and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Alivia.
"We knew dad was sick and he was slowing down in his old age," said Negron's son, Conrad Negron Jr. "But it was so fast," he said. The family was just getting reorganized after holding a reception for Taylor at his parents' home. "To be honest, I think he died of a broken heart," Negron Jr. said.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Forest Lawn, 69855 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, California.
Sources: The Desert Sun, Denise Goolsby, January 27, 2015; "Indian Wells, The Luxurious Desert City That Has It All" by Jan Silver Maguire, Palm Springs Life, Financial Guide, Annual 2007, Indian Wells; "Ex-councilman Entered Military Early To Serve", by Denise Goolsby, The Desert Sun, November 26, 2009; Religion Is it Giving God a Bad Name? by Conrad Negron, 2010.
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