Manuel Valdez

Manuel Valdez ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, Cemeteries & Crematories on Mar. 4, 2026.Manuel Valdez, 63, passed away on February 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and boundless devotion to his family and community. Born May 20, 1962, to Victor O Valdez and Maria Del Rosario Valero, Manuel learned the value of a day's labor early in life.A true neighbor in every sense, Manuel helped establish the first garbage collection route for Villa Coronado. Alongside his childhood sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Esmeralda, he spent countless hours chauffeuring local families to St. Lawrence Catholic Church and Mission San Francisco De La Espada Catholic Church, ensuring no one was left behind. Manuel attended Southside High School. He went on to work for Alameda Steel Co. and Stanley Structures. Later in life Manuel started his own small engine repair business.He is reunited in peace with his parents; his siblings Raquel Iruegas, Maria Del Rosario Valdez, and Alejandro Valdez: and his grandson Michael A.V Johnson. His memory lives on through his wife, Esmeralda Martinez Valdez, his 7 children, Veronica, Luis, Patricia (Efrain Ramirez), Melissa, Esmeralda (Andrew Garcia), Cynthia, Victoria (Gerardo Lozano); his sister Maria T Valdez; his brothers, Victor Valdez, Juan C Valdez, Martin A Valdez and Santiago Valdez; and a joyful generation of13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.His family were the pride of his life. A man of abundant love, Manuel's hard work and dedication will never be forgotten.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.