Manuel Montoya Garcia

Manuel, Manny, Tata, Grandpa, Dad, Manuelito, Pop, as known by all who knew him was a beloved husband, brother, son, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He entered Our Lord’s Eternal Kingdom on August 4, 2026, at nearly age 101 from complications associated with gall stones. Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, Seferino and Tomasa; his beloved wife of 68 years, Alicia; daughter, Alicia; brothers Raul and Aurelio and sister, Carmela.

Manuel, the eldest of six children, was born August 13, 1925 in a small home with dirt floors in what was once a small mining town in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. From a very early age, Manuel sought work to help the family, starting with firing up the forge for his blacksmith father at 5:00 a.m. everyday. Upon completing 6th grade, Manuel stopped going to school to take on various jobs to help put food on the table for the family.

In 1951, while working in the mines of Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico, after a mine explosion and a miners’ strike, Manuel crossed into the United States undocumented, in search of a better life for his family. His jobs took him to the farm fields of Arizona, Central California, Yakima County in the State of Washington and the kitchens of local restaurants as a bus boy. Work was never a dirty word for Manuel.

In 1936, Manuel met Alicia Chapa, at a mutual friend’s celebration, where they danced the night away, which led to their marriage on April 11, 1948. They shared a common love for friends, music, festivities, relationships, family and dance that carried on until the passing of his beautiful wife, Alicia, in August 2016.

After obtaining full-time employment at Hunt’s Foods in Fullerton, Manuel was able to move his family from Mexico to Placentia, California, having obtained Permanent Resident Visas for what was then a family of seven, that would eventually turn into a family of nine. During a temporary time in Placentia, they rented a small house with another couple.

In 1958, Manuel and Alicia moved to Norco for a short time, living on a small ranch, and moved permanently to La Habra in 1959, where all of their children attended public schools. They were proud parents of Alicia (Alice), Juan, Marco, Hector, Mario, Oscar and Leticia (Lety).

Manuel often worked second jobs while maintaining employment at Hunt’s Foods to provide for the family. His work ethic continued until 1983, when he retired and moved to a house they had constructed for them, just south of Rosarito, Baja California. But prior to establishing their nearly permanent residence in Baja California, Manuel and his wife traveled throughout all of Mexico for several months. While residing in Baja California, Manuel and Alicia established life-long friendships with many people, becoming godparents to many. Manuel also served as President of the Rosarito Beach Rotary Club in his retirement while residing there.

Manuel and Alicia returned to live permanently in Brea after a sudden cardiac health scare in 1989. From there they moved to La Habra, where they resided the remainder of their lives attending family functions, and helping to care for their growing grandchildren and great grandchildren, with occasional visits back to their home in Baja California.

Manuel and Alicia were extremely devoted to their family and could always be counted on to drop anything they were doing to attend important events, or celebrate milestones. Along with that, they never once hesitated to help comfort and care for all whom they considered family members.

Through these and countless other acts of service and love, Manuel left an indelible, positive mark on his family and communities. Manuel was a devout Catholic and prayed every night before sleep, being thankful to Our Lord for his countless blessings.

Manuel is survived by his son Juan (wife Kathy, grandchildren Stephanie/Heriberto and Adam/Claudia) of La Habra and Pico Rivera, respectively, son Marco (wife Carol, grandchildren Kurtis/Kristin and Kasey/Nick) of Bakersfield, son Hector (wife Debbie, grandchildren Matthew/Olivia and Megan/Norman) of La Habra, St. George, Utah and Orange, California, respectively, son Mario (wife Carol) of La Habra, son Oscar (partner Michelle) of Whittier, daughter Leticia (husband Pedro, grandson Ricky/Alyssa) of Phelan, California and Pinon Hills, respectively, sister Teresa Morales of San Antonio, Texas and Francisca Ballesteros of Eagle Pass, Texas. He is also survived by sixteen great-grandchildren

Rev. William Goldin will celebrate Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in La Habra on Friday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m., preceded with Vigil Rosary beginning at 9:00 a.m.

A reception and celebration of life will follow at Coleman Hall - all are welcome.