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Walter Andrade blessed our class with the gift of his musical abilities and warm, friendly personality! The Teen Rockers, with Walter, Charlie Flecha, Bill Hughes and Barry Van Fossan, began back at South Gate Junior High, played at our high school dances, Rock and Roll Sox Hops, and shows around the LA area. After high school, the band went on to become the Del Shays and had the honor of working with Bob Eubanks, as the “back-up” band on many concerts with the Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, the Temptations and many others and played at the Cinnamon Cinder. In 1964, they recorded the song “I'll Love You Forever,” which they wrote. Google The Del Shays, (Love You) Forever to hear their great doo wop sound!!!
After graduation from high school, Walter attended cosmetology school and opened several beauty salons in South Gate and Downey. In 1966, Walter married Andrea Padilla, S’64, and they had four children: Walter Jr., Michael, Anthony, and Gina. They were married thirteen years, then divorced, but were on friendly terms the last years. During a span of 50 years, Walter was affiliated with the Marinello School of Beauty and worked as a head instructor and traveled all over to conventions for Marinello.
At our Tenth Reunion, Walter and the band played for our class! Later, he formed his own band, the Walter Ray Band, and he continued his love of music throughout his life. He was residing in Bell when our 50th Reunion was being planned and after much encouragement from Judy Hanson Dillard, our class “Stalker,” Walter attended our Reunion with his close friends Charlie Klumpp and Alfred Varela. And, on a side note, his son, Walter Jr., followed in his Dad’s footsteps and cuts the hair of the husband of our class “Prodder,” Diane Curry Brewer!
Walter was born January 12, 1944 and passed away November 10, 2015 after a short illness. His family and close friends were blessed one last time when he played the piano for them, shortly before he passed away. A private memorial was held at Andrea’s home for family and close friends and his son-in-law, William, made a moving video of Walter’s life for those attending.
Walter impacted so many people and he will be dearly missed by family, two grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas, and his dear friends. Rest in peace, dear Classmate, and may you "rock-on in Heaven!"
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Gerald Ranney
RIP Walter. I was saddened to hear of Walters passing. Walter was a good friend back in HS. He and I had a musical connection. Even though our Bands competed, our friendship remained intact. I admired Walter's talents. I was able to sit and talk with Walter at our 50th. Yes one of the subjects was how much music was still in our lives, and recalled some of the venues we both played. God Bless you Walter.
Don Brault
I remember Walter as that musician that played Rattlesnake at a Junior High dance. He was kind and soft spoken.
Janey Vardon (Bouffard)
Rest in peace Walter. Thank you for giving South Gate High School your gift of music.
Sue King (Ross)
Walter great music to dance by. Got to see you at the 50th. God bless your fmily and may they share the wonderful memories of you.
Charles Klumpp
Sometimes you wish you would have done somethings differently in your life, especially when it comes to staying in touch with classmates that you new well in school. Unfortuately for me, almost 40 years past before I got back in touch with Walter. Walter, Alfred and I reunited about three years ago and this past year I visited Walter at the nursing home where he spent his last days. Right up to the end Walter was optimistic that he would be back on his feet playing his music and entertaining again. Each time I stopped by to see him there was always a family member or friend with him.
Walter's celebration of live was held at Andrea's home and it was a beautiful tribute to him. Because the arrangements for music were made ahead of time by his sons, I did not participate in sing a couple of songs for Walter that I would have like to. The following week at an open mic venue, I dedicated an Elvis Presley song for Walter called "Milkey White Way." If any of you get a chance to hear it on YouTube, I think you will appreciate why I thought Walter would also like it.
Walters has gone to join that Christian Band in the sky and when I hear those oldies but goodies it will remind me of Walter.
God bless you Walter...
Your friend,
Chuck
Bonnie Benson (Concialdi)
What a gift Walter was to our class!!! He was such a nice guy...always friendly, quiet spoken and very polite! We loved his music and the Teen Rockers!!! What fun our school dances were and the sox hops in Huntington Park! It was great dancing to the music of the Teen Rockers! May God comfort his family and close friends and may his music live on in our hearts and memories....
Tod Wakefield
So many fond memories of Walter. He was simply a great person and musical genius. He will be missed. Tod WakefieldRobert Shaffer
My! Look at that photo. I forgot what they looked like. Life is better now.
Richard Beard
Walter, great guy, great musician, sorry to see him go.Does anyone remember Barry Van Fossan? Passed away early in life. Class of ? Had a band called the Teen Rockers.
Silvano Colombano
I owe him one of the thrills I had in my life! I was the exchange student from Italy and I loved to sing. So he welcomed me to sing an Italian rock song "Con 24-mila baci" ("with 24 thousand kisses"..) at a school event. I still remember the thrill of being honored by the screams of the girls in the audience! Made me feel like a rock star! Thank you Walter!