It's with great sadness we announce the passing of
our father Manuel C. Prado Jr.
Manuel C. Prado Jr,62, of Santa Paula, passed away
unexpectedly on the morning of April 13th, 2024.
Manuel was born on April 11,1962 to Manuel Sr and
Linda Prado of Santa Paula.
Manny, as he was known to many, was a lifelong
resident of Santa Paula, CA. He graduated, married
the love of his life Norma and had his first son Manuel
III in 1980.
Following in his father's footsteps he started his work
career at the age of 16 at Santa Paula Lemon
Association. Then at age 19, he continued to work
with him at Granite Construction where he was a
Laborer. He learned the ropes of the job and was able
to branch out on his own and start working for
Camino Construction. Manny then became a part of
the best work family you could imagine...Breckley
Contracting. This crew became family and Manny held
them near and dear to his heart. He worked his final
years as a laborer for C.A. Rasmussen where he later
retired in 2022 after 34 years of service to the Local
Union 585.
As a child growing up he loved to spend time with his
family and friends. From the yearly camping trips to
Lake Lopez and Lake San Antonio. Riding jet skis or
driving around his dad's boat and water skiing was
something he always looked forward to. Going to his
grandma's ranch and shooting guns with his cousins
and friends, playing pop warner football for the Rams
and then going on to play High School Football for the
Santa Paula Cardinals.
There is where he met the love of his life Norma.
Together they have built a life many could only dream
of. The love and bond they shared was so admirable
and unbreakable. Family was everything to him and he
made sure he instilled that in all three of his children
and grandchildren.
He loved the game of football. He helped the Jr
Cardinal's football program come back to Santa Paula
where he coached his son Jason and many other
young men for years. If he wasn't on the sideline
coaching you could easily spot him at all of his kid's
games under his big Budweiser umbrella. His kids and
grandchildren were his world. Never missing a game.
From Mannie and Jason's Hog tournaments to Friday
night lights at the football field for their high school
games. To traveling every other weekend for softball
tournaments with Drea, He was always there and
made sure his wife, kids and grandkids were always
taken care of.
Some of his fondest moments were seeing his
grandchildren excel in the sports they loved. Kaitlyn
bringing home a CIF Div 1 Soccer Championship,
Elijah playing football and wearing his grandpa's #74
proudly. To walking hand in hand with Aiden for his
Autism Walk. The void you left in our hearts will
forever be a reminder of the immense love and impact
you had in our lives. We love you Pop!
Manuel is survived by his loving wife of 46 years
Norma Prado. His children Manuel III(Andrea), Jason
and Andrea(Raul) Prado. His grandchildren, Kaitlyn,
Elijah and Aiden Prado. His siblings, Beatrice
Prado-Jimenez, Leonard (Shirlie) and Alex(Celeste)
Prado and Sister in Law Margaret Espinoza, numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren that he
adored and loved like his own and especially all of his
Construction Family.
He is preceded in death by his parents Manuel Sr and
Linda Prado.
We would like to thank everyone for their love and
support through this difficult time. Your thoughts and
prayers are appreciated and are what have helped us
deal with this heartbreak. We love you all!