Juan Manuel Amador

Juan Manuel Amador, born on December 22, 1950, in Firebaugh, California, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was the son of Francisco and Guadalupe Amador and was raised in Mendota, where he grew up alongside his siblings and community.

Juan attended Mendota schools and graduated from Tranquillity High School in 1969. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Rachel Herrera. Shortly after, while attending Fresno City College, he was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Vietnam. He served his country with honor, a role he carried with deep pride throughout his life.

After returning home in 1972, Juan began his career in law enforcement when he was hired as a police officer. His dedication and leadership led to his promotion to Police Sergeant in 1978. Over the years, he continued serving the public as a private investigator and later as an investigator for the State of California, retiring from state service in 2011.

Juan and Rachel built a life rooted in love, commitment, and family. During their 44 years of marriage, they welcomed four children, who remained the center of his world. He lost Rachel in 2014, a loss he carried with quiet strength.

Throughout his life, Juan held many titles—police officer, sergeant, investigator—but two roles meant the most to him: being a Vietnam veteran and being a father. His pride in his service and his devotion to his children were constants that shaped the man he was.

Juan is survived by his four children: • Juan M. Amador, Jr. • Nicole B. Ossun and son-in-law Etienne Ossun • Francisco M. Amador and daughter-in-law Teryn Amador • Maria G. Amador

He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Bernadette, Giselle, and Andrew Ossun; Bella and Westley Amador; and Ethan Amador.

Juan’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the community he served, and the values he instilled in those who knew him.