HEAR Center Presents Plaque Dedication of Rock Garden to Honor Former Board Member Antonio Paredes

HEAR Center recognized the contributions and legacy of its former board member, Antonio “Tony” Paredes, during a plaque dedication of a rock garden on May 16. Paredes, who passed away on December 8, 2022, donated truckloads of rocks, prepared the surface, and installed the rock garden to replace the grass that couldn’t grow in front of the building. The plaque, which is made of solid granite, will now be part of the building’s history.

“When we found ourselves in need of help because grass simply would not grow under the shade of trees that surround the front of the building, Tony basically said ‘Let me take care of it,’” HEAR Center’s Board Chair Armida Baylon told guests at the dedication. “We now have the opportunity to acknowledge the importance of the deeds Tony quietly took care of.”

Paredes’ family, board members, volunteers, and staff attended the event to pay tribute to him. Marco Lundgren, district representative for Senator Anthony J. Portantino, presented the family with a certificate to honor his legacy. Other certificates from LA Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo were presented to the family.

A former board member of HEAR Center for nearly 30 years, Paredes was a generous donor and advocate for its mission, which offers complete and affordable hearing and speech services to people at all stages of life, so they can be a part of the hearing and speaking world.

Born on January 11, 1953 in Mexico City, Paredes’ family emigrated to the United States, settling in Boyle Heights. He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and worked in construction management, learning the trade from several large rip rap companies. He later applied his construction management experience to establish Rock Structures Construction, managing flood control projects throughout Southern California, among other rock slope and erosion protections.

Touring the HEAR Center, guests learned about the various programs to support individuals who are hearing impaired. To learn more about HEAR Center, visit hearcenter.org.