Manuel Rodriguez Valdez

With immense love and gratitude for his life, we remember Steven Manuel Rodriguez Valdez, 78, of Fresno, California, who passed away on October 21, 2026, with his wife and children by his side.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was born on March 8, 1948, in Trinidad, Colorado to Tomas and Elena Valdez. They resided in San Jose, California where Manuel spent most of his childhood and young adult life. One of fifteen, he was a devoted brother and had great love for all his siblings. After the loss of their mother, Manuel shared a great deal of responsibility at the young age of 12, and although his family lived humbly, Manuel learned to be very generous with his time, possessions and care. Manuel always stood out in the crowd, in academics, socially and professionally. He was an active student, participating in several clubs and the school band as a saxophone player. He graduated with honors from Andrew Hill High School in San Jose. He married his high school sweetheart, Carmen, on December 13, 1967, and together they shared 59 years of marriage. Manuel loved adventures, and that is reflected throughout his life with Carmen and their three children, Tommy, Stephanie and Briana. They raised their family in San Jose until a major move to Wheat Ridge, Colorado in the early 1990s for work. It was a major change for everyone but also provided an opportunity for new adventures and travel, including years of unforgettable road trips, and a second place to call home. Eventually they made their way back to Fresno, California, but no matter where they were, his family home was always full of laughter, music and deep conversations, and was a welcoming space for extended family and friends, sharing many holidays and celebrations together throughout the years. Hard work was never anything Manuel shied away from, whether on the job, at home, or while lending a helping hand. During his college years, he was recruited by Frito Lay, which was the start of his long career in management and supervisory roles for over the next five decades. Even after a short retirement phase, Manuel chose to go back to working seasonally for the United States Department of Agriculture as an Inspector. Time was valuable to him, and he generously volunteered that time if it meant he was of purpose. From neighborhood watch and earthquake relief to the U.S. Census and political activism, he was proud to be of service. Manuel was well-liked and could get along with anyone. He was always different, as most would say; smart, resourceful and a keen problem solver. Manuel was someone you could trust in every sense and made those around him feel safe and seen, even complete strangers. Those who knew him, will remember his sense of humor, his active lifestyle, and his caring manner. He loved conversating, having a good political debate, and telling stories. He loved to dance and sing; his voice and his whistling will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Manuel was deeply spiritual, a devoted Catholic, and a man of great faith. He was a survivor, and someone who could act in an instant. He believed things happened for a reason and never once lost his trust in God despite life’s challenges. As a father, he was strict, supportive and proud. Manuel’s thirst for life was infectious, and he taught his children to be the same. He was a fun dad, energetic and always present. He cherished his time with his growing family and loved being a papa. Family was the most important part of his life, and he fought until the very end for them. Manuel survives by his wife Carmen Valdez, children Thomas M. Valdez, Stephanie Valdez Casey, Briana Valdez Carrion, his grandchildren Arielle Juarez, Quentin Casey, Jacob, Ella, and Adele Valdez, and great grandchildren Nathaniel, Madeline, and Everly Juarez, Juniper Valdez, and Jayne Casey. He also leaves behind siblings Bertha Hererra, Thomas and Mary Valdez, Elizabeth Guad, Joe, Paul, and Willie Valdez, Erma Mapalo, Yolanda Prendez, Tony, Laurie, and Virginia Valdez. Manuel was preceded in death by his mother, Elena, his father, Tomas, his sister, Rosa Doniz, and his brother Fred Valdez.