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On behalf of Compton Unified School District, it is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn the passing of beloved Compton community member and father of our own Board of Trustees Vice President Satra Zurita, Clarence Woods Zurita, on Monday, May 11, 2020.
A model for overcoming, persevering and elevating through and above challenges, Clarence was an orphan who grew up in the Woods Family in Watts. He attended David Starr Jordan High School where he held several cross-country Track records that stood for more than 50 years.
Clarence continued to make his mark as a Public Administrator at the Los Angeles Department of Water Power, where he retired in 1993 after 31 years of service. Always one for building and engaging in community and fellowship, at 74 years old Clarence became the oldest active member of the LA Deuces Motorcycle Club.
Clarence is survived by his wife of 68 years, Councilwoman Delores Zurita Emeritus, two daughters, Compton School Board Vice President Satra Zurita and Councilwoman Janna Zurita Emeritus and two granddaughters, Armani and Chanel, a special niece Maya and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. Funeral services are pending.
Last night, we closed the Compton School Board of Trustees meeting in his honor, acknowledging his impact not only through his work as an administrator and member of our Compton Community, but also as a contributor to the legacy of civic leadership and transformation he left in the lives of his daughters.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zurita family at this time, as we consider their loss and as our own. May we honor his memory by remaining steadfast in our commitment to positively impact the lives of people in Compton.
