Manuel Corral Rodriguez

Manuel Corral Rodriguez was born in Tucson in 1925. He passed away April 9, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lucia (Chavez); his children, Luis (Jill), Estevan, Lucia M. (Steve), Rodrigo; grandchildren, Jacob, Luis, AnaLydia, Emilio and Layla; his sister, Elena Martinez (Arturo) and brother, Arnoldo (Hortencia); nieces, Liz Miller (Marc) and Ruth and nephew, Xavier (Maggie); as well as a large extended family of several generations of nephews, nieces and God-children. Manuel was extraordinarily hardworking and generous in many ways. He led an active and prosperous life. He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II and participated in the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Siapan, Tinian, Peleliu and Iwo Jima. Along with his wife, Lucia he ran a successful plumbing contracting business. He was a proud, active and lifelong member of the Plumbers' Union. Manuel was recognized as a leader in affordable housing, community development and workers' rights. He encouraged everyone to pursue an education. An avid sportsman he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, baseball, boxing and poker. His love of family and friends was unwavering. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Cathedral at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, April 14, 2011 with interment immediately following at Holy Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Farm Workers Foundation, P.O. Box 62, Keene, CA, 93531 or Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001.