Manuel Rios Gamiz

Born in Tamazula, Durango in Mexico, he is the son of Nicolas Gamiz Nunez and Maria de Jesus Rios Martinez. He has eight brothers and five sisters.

Manuel moved to California with his wife in 1971 to realize their dream of a better life. He worked several jobs before his charismatic personality and his work ethic landed him a position at landmark Downtown Los Angeles restaurant, The Original Pantry. For over 36 years, his friendly smile and charm greeted hundreds of thousands of Angelenos.

He was fun-loving, caring and full of life. He adored his grandchildren, fresh mangos, the Los Angeles Dodgers, soccer and games of chance.

He is survived by his wife and children; sons Ruben, of Whittier, Manuel Jr of Bethlehem, Penn., Cesar, of Bethlehem, Penn., Hector, of Whittier and daughters Olga, of Pico Rivera, Isela, and her husband Rodney Naranjo, of Pico Rivera, and Nancy, of Pico Rivera; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A public viewing service will be held on Sunday, July 31, at Queen of Heaven Mortuary in Rowland Heights between 5 and 9 p.m.

Mass and burial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on August 1 at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights.