Manuel V. Mondragon

Manuel was born on May 12th, 1943 in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico to parents Sara Vizcaino and David Mondragon. Manuel was the oldest of five siblings; Cristina, David, Gerardo (deceased) and Francisco (Paco). Both Manuel and his sister, Cristina, spent their early childhood with their Aunt Chucha in Cuidad Hidalgo, Michoacan while their parents came to the United States for work and to create a better life for their young family. Both Manuel and Cristina have very fond memories and wonderful stories of that time including trips to the mountains and hot springs, “Los Azufres” which began his love of the mountains and camping. He later took his wife and three daughters on these same trips.

At age 12, Manuel moved to Uruapan, Michoacan where he had visited often and previously met his future wife, Bertha Pimentel. Here he spent his adolescence going back and forth to the border to visit with his mother and father. He became very close to his extended family on his mother’s side and assumed his role as the oldest “grandchild” and becoming a like a brother to his peers and a father figure to his many many younger cousins. Manuel was a dedicated son and nephew, taking great care of his three “mothers”; his Mother Sara (deceased), Tia Chucha (deceased), and Mama Tere.

From Uruapan, Manuel eventually moved to Tijuana to be closer to his mother and younger siblings. Manuel and his family immigrated soon after and he often told the story of his family’s immigration being expedited by a consulate staffer with a big heart and lots of gratitude towards Manuel’s parents. Manuel worked from a very young age to help provide for his siblings, working all kinds of jobs in Tijuana, San Diego, and San Juan Capistrano. It was during this time that he reunited as a young adult with his love, Bertha and acquired his “second” love, his 1960 Red Chevy Impala. Bertha and Manuel married in 1966 and moved to Winters, California where they started their family. Adriana (b. 1967) arrived quickly and Patricia (b. 1968) soon after.

The young family moved back to San Diego in the early 1970’s where Manuel began working at Morton Equipment Company and moved into the home they both lived in together until Manuel’s ascent to Heaven. It was in this home, they welcomed their third daughter, named after his mother, Sara (b. 1982).

Manuel was a very hard worker and tried his hand in different business ventures, from Grocery Store Owner, and “Aguacatero” but never fulfilled his dream of owning a taco shop…”Manuel’s Taco Shop.” He always wanted to “salir adelante” and provide for his family. A dutiful provider he always handed over his paycheck to his wife only keeping enough for gas and lunch for his work week. He retired happily in 2005 but never stopped working, taking odd and end jobs right through 2015. He was often sought out as he had a reputation for a job well done. When he helped his daughter Patty with her yard work, she had random neighbors come to her door and request her “gardener’s” information just based on the cleanliness and curb appeal. He was truly one of a kind. Those who knew him, often said his installation work at the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Jack Murphy Stadium (Qualcomm), Starlight @ Balboa Park, 32nd Naval Station, Del Mar Racetrack and Santa Anita Park will well outlive him.

Manuel became a U.S. Citizen on February 23, 1996; an accomplishment he was very proud of. He truly loved both his country of birth, Mexico and his country of residence, the United States and spent his retirement years living in both.

Manuel was a devout Christian and man of God. He was a dedicated family man. Nothing meant more to him than God, family and friendships. Being a Grandfather meant the world to him. He will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched...he was truly cherished and precious to many. He is survived by his wife, Bertha, three daughters Adriana, Patty and Sara and his four grandchildren, Marissa, Manuel, Alex and Olivia.

On December 28th, 2015 at 3:20am busy hands laid to rest and on January 12th, 2016 we will lay to final rest a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew, cousin, “tio” and friend. We will love you always and forever, our “Guerro” will always live in our hearts.