Luciano Nunez

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, Luciano Nunez, of Granite Bay, California. Luciano was born on January 7, 1928, in El Paso County, Texas, and passed away at home on January 31, 2026, just after celebrating his 98th birthday.

Luciano was part of a large family with eight brothers and four sisters, the fourth of twelve children. He was raised within the Hispanic migrant farm-working culture that carried families from Texas to California in search of opportunity. He was preceded in death by his parents, Augustine Nunez and Julia Contreras, and by his siblings Louie Jacquez, Sally Miller, Henry Nunez, Julio Nunez, Fred Nunez, Al Nunez, and Robert Nunez (infant). He is survived by his siblings Alice Martinez, Eva Renteria, Bob Nunez, and Grace Horne.

Luciano is also survived by his son, Rubin Nunez, and daughters Tina Lopez, Yolanda Stone, and Irene Kercher; his six grandchildren, Regina Lopez, Eileen Cole, Michelle Lopez, Blayne Kercher, Steven Kercher, and Danielle Kercher; nine great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

On January 28, 1948, Luciano married the love of his life, Edelmira Galvan, in El Paso, Texas. Together they moved to the agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley in Tulare, California. After several years—and the birth of two children, Tina and Rubin—the family relocated to Coyote Valley, between San Jose and Morgan Hill. Over the years, Luciano and his family lived in Gilroy, San Jose, and eventually settled for the final 25 years in the Roseville and Granite Bay area.

Luciano was an avid gardener who loved chili peppers, making salsa, and serving as the family’s beloved BBQ grill master. He was a loyal San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan, supporting his teams faithfully no matter the season. He was always thinking about tools, projects, or ways to improve his garden or workshop—skills that became his quiet superpower throughout his life. An engineer at heart, when faced with any challenge or inconvenience, he always found a way to make it better. He also did his best to improve the lives of others by donating to the Disabled American Veterans of America and Boys Town.

Professionally, Luciano spent over 25 years working at United Technologies Chemical Systems Division in Coyote Valley, California. He served as a Lead Technician working on booster fuels and engines for launch vehicles used by NASA and the U.S. military. Luciano contributed to programs such as Tomahawk and Titan and was recognized numerous times for efficiency improvements and cost-saving innovations.

Our dad was a playful, spirited soul who loved to dance, listen to music, and spend time surrounded by family and friends. He provided for both his immediate and extended family and Luciano inspired all of us to celebrate life fully and joyfully. He maintained a strong will to live throughout his life, and we find comfort in knowing that he is now at rest in eternal peace. He will be dearly missed—especially his BBQs and salsa. ♥️

A funeral service will be held on March 7, 2026, at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, located at 8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA, 95628, United States. The service will take place from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Following the funeral, a committal service will occur at the same location from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.