War Memorial Stadium memorial ribbon cutting set for Oct. 2
By Staff Report · Fri Oct 02 2026
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 2 to mark the completion of a new memorial honoring the 12 Bearcats who died while serving their country during World War II.
The ceremony will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium, 2405 Spring St., immediately before the Paso Robles High School football game and Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
War Memorial Stadium was originally built in 1928 and dedicated Nov. 8, 1946, in memory of the 12 former Bearcats who died during World War II. A small plaque was installed at the base of the stadium flagpole in 1948, but it did not include the names of those being honored.
The War Memorial Committee was formed in 2025 to research the history of the 12 young men and develop a permanent memorial at the stadium. Committee members reviewed PRHS yearbooks, historic newspapers, military records and other archival materials. Local architect Gary Gery also volunteered his time to help design and oversee the project.
The completed project includes a monument wall and commemorative plaque recognizing the 12 Bearcats and explaining the history behind the stadium’s dedication, along with a new flagpole.
The 12 Bearcats honored are Joseph G. Crettol, Raymond O. Dauth, Raymond J. Farnell, Edward R. Johnson, Louis F. Patriquin, James L. Pearson, George M. Quintana, Robert L. Rogers, Benjamin F. Sauret, Donald Smith, Donald S. Steiner and Abraham Van Horn.
“War Memorial Stadium has been a gathering place for generations of Bearcats, but many people who have walked through its gates may not have known the names or stories of the young men it was created to honor,” said Superintendent Jennifer Loftus. “These 12 young men were once Bearcats growing up in the same community our students call home today. We are grateful to everyone who worked to make sure their names, their service and their sacrifice remain part of the story of Paso Robles.”
Community members, alumni, veterans, students and families are invited to attend the ceremony.
The district is also planning a commemorative brick fundraiser to help offset the project’s cost. Personalized engraved bricks will become part of the area surrounding the memorial. Details about pricing and ordering are still being developed. Community members interested in purchasing a brick can join the War Memorial Commemorative Brick Interest List for updates.