News-Info-Alerts

Re: Ex-POW, Mayor Passes

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: September 09, 2003

"Ex-mayor Glenn Olea dies
By SUKHJIT PUREWAL
spurewal@montereyherald.com


Former Seaside Mayor Glenn Olea, a decorated Army veteran and leader of local Filipino-American groups, died Friday at Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula following a brief illness.

Mr. Olea, 85, was the first Filipino American elected mayor in a U.S. city, according to the Filipino-American Community Club of Monterey Peninsula.

A 49-year resident of Seaside, Mr. Olea was remembered fondly for his civic contributions.

"He was dedicated to the city of Seaside," former Mayor Louis Haddad said Monday. Haddad served as a city councilman alongside Mr. Olea. "He wanted to see it excel."

Another former councilman, Berdine "Bud" Houser, said Mr. Olea was a good man who will be missed in the community.

Mr. Olea served in a string of city posts, including planning commissioner, before being elected to the council in 1971. He served five terms and was elected mayor in 1980, beating incumbent Stephen Ross. Lance McClair defeated Mr. Olea in the subsequent election.

Mr. Olea was one of the founders of the Filipino American Community Club. According to a longtime friend and former club president, Emerson Reyes, Mr. Olea was a trailblazer.

"He was the one who inspired other Filipinos to be a part of the political process," Reyes said.

He was born in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines, in Nov. 26, 1917.

Mr. Olea served in the U.S. Army for 30 years before retiring as a second lieutenant in 1967. He was a prisoner of war during World War II and survived the Bataan Death March. Mr. Olea also served in the Korean War.

He was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

In 1988, Mr. Olea testified before a federal House of Representatives subcommittee for the establishment of a memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring Filipino veterans of World War II.

He was a founder of the Philippine Scouts and U.S. Veterans Association of America. Mr. Olea was a life member of the Prisoners of War Association, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Olea was also a member of the Iriga Association of America and St. Francis Xavier Church and was a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus.

Mr. Olea was a gifted decathlete in his younger years and an avid San Francisco 49er fan.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat; a daughter, Judy Davis of Seaside; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Chapel of Seaside. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Xavier Church, where Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday. Burial will follow at Mission Memorial Park.

The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Xavier Church.

Sukhjit Purewal can be reached at 646-4494"