Emiliano Magaña Solorio Sr.

Emiliano Magaña Solorio was born on July 20, 1923 in Purépero, Michoacán, Mexico. At the age of 11, Emiliano started work at a small store in his hometown. After working there several years, he started to have dreams of owning his own business.

In 1944, Emiliano took the opportunity to immigrate to the United States under the Bracero Program, a series of diplomatic accords between the USA and Mexico that permitted millions of Mexican men to work legally in the United States. Under the program, he was first contracted to work in the beet crops in Saginaw, Michigan. He was then contracted to work in Anaheim, CA on the citrus crops. Six months later, he worked on the tomato crops in Courtland, CA.

After the Bracero Program and living back in Mexico, Emiliano met and courted his wife, Raquel Salazar Solorio. They married in May 7, 1952. In 1955, he, his wife and their first-born son, José Luis, immigrated to the United States for a more prosperous life. They first settled in Isleton, CA.

While living in Isleton, Emiliano became a farm contractor and managed 100 acres of tomatoes and a farm camp. As he was busy working on the crops, his wife, Raquel, prepared three meals a day for the farm laborers. Over the years, Emiliano saved up all the money he could in hopes of someday opening up his own business. In 1972, hardship struck when Isleton was hit by a flood and destroyed all of Emiliano’s tomato crops.

Despite the unfortunate flood, and with much hard work and determination, he and his wife were able to open up their own business in Stockton, CA – El Dorado Market. El Dorado Market first opened in October 15, 1972, thus making Emiliano’s dream come true. He managed the store while his wife cooked the prepared Mexican food to go.

Emiliano retired at the age of 71. Although already retired, Emiliano still loved to come and visit his store to see that it is still running well. His business has thrived throughout the years and celebrated over fifty years in business selling groceries, products imported from Mexico and Mexican food to go. Many customers have recognized that El Dorado Market makes the best tamales in town.

During his career, Emiliano he has been recognized with awards from politicians like Congressman John Garamendi. In 2017, Emiliano, his wife, and children were awarded the Small Business of the Year in San Joaquin County, presented by Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman. In addition, the late Bishop Stephen Blaire gave Emiliano and his wife an award plaque in recognition of their philanthropic efforts throughout their lives.

Emiliano Solorio has been blessed in many ways: He achieved the American Dream; he was married to his wife Raquel for sixty-five years; he lived a long, happy and prosperous

life of 101 years. Emiliano is survived by his children, José-Luis, Jorge, Graciela, Emiliano Jr. and Hector. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.