Manuel Elizarraraz, 82, peacefully passed away on October 2, 2026, at his residence in Santa Paula, California, resting comfortably in his bed and surrounded by his loved ones.

Manuel was born on March 26, 1944, in Villa Jimenez, Michoacan, Mexico, to Cayetano Elizarraraz and Enedina Mosqueda.

At the age of 19, Manuel married his beautiful wife Otilia Rodriguez and had their first child, Mauricio. The family moved together to Mexico City. During that time, their other five children (Sergio, Jose Manuel, Gilberto, Juan Carlos, and Griselda) were born. He worked in an automotive factory producing spark plugs and played competitive soccer. His strength was rooted in love, and that love inspired him to search for a better quality of life. He always worked hard to be a provider, and he had one simple goal in mind: for his children to worry less, dream big, and enjoy life. Every decision he made was influenced by this goal.

Dreaming big, Manuel decided in 1977 to migrate permanently to the United States. There he joined his brother, Javier and his father, who had already settled in Santa Paula, California. He spent his days as a field worker picking lemons and sent money back to his family. In 1978, he sent for his wife and children so they could be together again. Shortly after, their two daughters, Sonia and Nadia, were born. Manuel dedicated his life to protecting, providing for, nurturing, and guiding his family toward a better future. And he succeeded.

His sacrifices became the foundation his children built on. All eight of them graduated high school, and his son Gilberto went on to earn two master’s degrees. Today, each of his children has their own family and each one made the same sacrifices to ensure a better life for their kids. They are a living reflection of their dad.

Manuel's 18 grandchildren filled his home and gave him a new generation to love and guide. He took his grandchildren to the playgrounds, went to their soccer games, and cooked his delicious specialties (tacos de lengua, ceviche, barbacoa, and more). Manuel was a man of few words, but his actions spoke louder than any words could. His kids and grandkids filled his home for the holidays. He participated in family games, shared his jokes, and had a smile that could light up any room.

Manuel will be remembered for his strength, his work ethic, and the deep love that guided every decision he made. He never asked for much as he found reward in seeing his family happy. His legacy lives on in every one of his children and grandchildren. He was and always will be our hero. May he rest in peace.

Words from the family:

"My father devoted all of his time to his loved ones. His uniqueness has been something I carry very personal into my life because I learn a lot from him, he made sure I paid attention to his teaching so one day I would apply them to my life. What I love most about my dad was that he was always on the go, if he was not at work 6 days of the week he was doing some kind of fixing to his Cars, around the house, or the yard, and he was really good at it. I can say I am a version of him, which is why I call him my HERO!!! "

- Nadia, Daughter

"Manuel dedicated his life to protecting, providing for, nurturing, and guiding his family toward a better future. Through his gentle spirit and unwavering patience, he helped his family feel safe, supported, and loved—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A man of integrity, Don Manuel led by example. His actions taught his children and grandchildren the importance of honesty, respect, and responsibility. His strength was rooted in love, and his greatest legacy lives on in the values he instilled and the family he cherished. Forever our hero, forever in our hearts, our HERO"

- Gilberto, Son

"My Dad was a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he worked hard to be a provider. The day he found out he was limited in his ability to work hard due to his health, he felt that life would never be the same. He took his role as a provider to heart and felt defeated. Although it was difficult for him at times, he never stopped doing what he loved: working as hard as he could until he was no longer able to. He was and always will be our hero."

- Sonia, Daughter

"My dad was a person who always wanted the best for his family. He had to migrate from a rural poor town in Michoacán to the biggest city in the world at that time, CDMX. After more than a decade he decided to look for a better life and decided to move to another country: the USA. Now he has passed to a better life. His family grew with more grandchildren. He was a quiet person but once in a while he told good jokes. His legacy will be continued by us. Rest in peace."

- Mauricio, Son

“My father was a man of few words. Even until his last breath he was able to speak in one word. I knew what he meant. His way of living his life was a testament to what he believed. He always led by example. Even though he had limited English speaking skills that didn’t stop him from succeeding on whatever he chose to accomplish. I’m forever grateful for his values, work ethic, humbleness but most of all of how he loved his family.

- Manny, Son

"Manuel era un hombre respetuoso, serio y amable. No le gustaba andar de chismoso. Le encantaba el fútbol. Era muy protector con su hermana Celia. Era el consentido de su mamá. Su abuela Isabel y su tía SanJuana lo adoraban por ser una persona tan linda."

- Celia, Sister