Miguel Guerrero

He was born in Michoacan, Mexico on February 27, 1932 to the late Miguel and Consuelo Guerrero, and grew up in the California Central Valley. He memorialized his early experiences as a boy, immigrant, and student in the United States in a book Reflections of a Little Brown Boy, written in adulthood. His athleticism in boxing as a young adult in school led to further training, resulting in Pacific Coast and NCAA featherweight championships. After a stint in the Army where he served in Germany and at the American Embassy in France, he returned to attend college at San Jose State University, and earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Santa Clara.

Miguel retired as a business instructor from San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, then continued teaching printmaking through the Stockton Institute for Continued Learning (SICL). Along with his teaching career, he became deeply interested in studio art, experimenting with sculpture and moving into drawing, painting, and printmaking. He exhibited widely for over 30 years with shows at The Haggin Museum, Mexican Heritage Center, The Alan Short Gallery, The LH Horton Jr Gallery in Stockton, and the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California, among other sites. His works are held by private collectors, and one of his bronze sculptures is held by the Department of Migrant Education in Washington, DC; awards for his various works are many. Always a teacher and mentor, Miguel made many lifelong connections with students, fellow instructors, and others. Gregarious, friendly, and generous by nature, he enjoyed sharing knowledge, good foods, libations, stories and conversations; his Peets’ coffee gatherings were a favorite. He was a positive person with an upbeat attitude and good sense of humor, yet grounded, strong, and loyal. Beyond teacher and artist, he was a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be profoundly missed by his beloved wife, Rose, his children Michele Guerrero and Steven Guerrero, his grandchildren Dominic and Mackenzie Rossi, and his sister Alíce Guerrero. He is also survived by Jesse Guerrero, sister Josephine Salas, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives, and his countless friends.

Due to the current restrictions, private services will be limited to family only. The family thanks all of his caregivers, especially Linda Fernandez and Hospice of San Joaquin County for his care during his illness. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to a charity of your choice in Miguel’s honor or to Hospice of San Joaquin.