Manuel Rodriguez Vega

In loving memory of Manuel (Manny) Vega, we are saddened to announce his passing May 5th at 94 years young. A life so beautifully lived with so many loving family and friends deserves to be remembered. Those of you who knew him, would always be welcomed with open arms and that famous Manny Vega smile. For those of you who didn’t, he would’ve made you feel warm and special.

Manuel (Manny) Vega was born in San Bernardino, CA on October 22, 1927. He was one of eight children born to parents Matias and Celerina Vega. He had three older brothers, two younger brothers, and two younger sisters.

Manny was a hard worker and at a young age, worked alongside his Brothers and Father traveling throughout California as farm workers. Life wasn’t easy for the family. Manny set a good example for his children by working hard and furthering his education to improve the quality of life for his family. He encouraged his children to be the best they could be.

Early exposure to the conditions faced by Farm Workers resulted in his participation in various demonstrations in support of Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King Jr., and the UFW.

Manny attended San Bernardino High School, where he played Football on the Varsity Team. He graduated in 1946. He served in the Army from 1946-1948. When he left the Army, he continued his education attending Skadron Business College.

Manny married his wife Dolores in August 1951. They had three daughters, Olivia, Karen, and Rose Ann and son, Tom.

Manny worked as a Systems Analyst at Norton Air Force Base from the early 1950’s to 1966 when the Base transferred Civil Service operations to other locations. He moved his family to Ventura County in 1966 where he began a position as a Senior Management Analyst at Naval Missile Center, Point Mugu.

Manny retired from his position at Point Mugu in 1983. He had a very brief retirement before he began a new career with the City of Oxnard as the Community Relations Officer in 1983. He remained in that role for twelve years.

Manny continued his studies earning a B.A. from La Verne College in 1974. He also attended Pepperdine University earning an MBA in 1976.

His interest and passion in Education and Civic activities led to his participation in numerous organizations. He served for four years on the Pleasant Valley School District Board of Trustees and four years on the Ventura School Board. He was appointed by the Governor to serve eight years on the Camarillo State Hospital Advisory Board. He also served eight years as President and Vice President with IMAGE (Incorporated Mexican American Government Employees) and eight years with El Concilio of Ventura serving as its first Vice President. He served ten years as President and Vice President with Club Civico of Camarillo. He also was Chairman of the Camarillo Fiesta Days.

He was active in the Oxnard College Advisory Board. He earned his Community College Teaching Credential and taught evening classes at both Ventura and Oxnard Colleges.

With this busy schedule, Manny found time to coach his son’s Little League Team as an Assistant Coach.

Family has always been important to Manny. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved to travel and his interests included gardening, reading and exercising. He was an avid sports fan and spent many weekends watching his favorite teams play football, baseball and basketball. He and his wife Dolores made many friends throughout the years. His children would often kid them about having many groups of friends, many as young as their own children. Manny treated his friends like they were family. He was loving and made everyone feel welcome and important. He will be missed dearly. Vaya con Dios Manny! May you rest in peace.

He is survived by his wife Dolores (Lola) with whom he shared 71 amazing years; his children and their spouses, Olivia Osorno (David), Karen Best (David), Rose Ann Killion (Steve), and Tom Vega (Krista); his grandchildren David, Anthony, Kristin, Adam, and Andy; great-grandchildren Alyssa, Jacob, Harlynn, Jonah, Evie, Wyatt, and Malcolm; his brother Louie, and sister Carmen, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will include a Mass at Padre Serra Parish at 10:00 am in Camarillo on May 31st, followed by a Visitation from 1-4 pm at Funeraria Del Angel in Oxnard. On Wednesday, June 1st, a Celebration of Life will be held at 8:30 am at Funeraria Del Angel in Oxnard, followed by burial at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo. A reception will follow from 12pm-4pm at Ric’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge in Camarillo.