Manuel J. (Lucky) Barroza, 87, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2012, with his family by his side. Born in Hawaii to Manuel and Mary Barroza on April 25, 1925, the family moved to San Jose, CA when he was three years old.
He enlisted in the Navy and proudly served in WWII and the Korean War, where he became known as Lucky; a name that has stuck with him throughout his life. He later married Doreen Rea in 1949.
Predeceased by his loving wife in 2007, they were married 59 years. He is survived by his three children Randy (Gloria) Barroza, Kathy (Harry) Hill, and Dennis (Julie) Barroza; sister-in-law Virginia Grossi and Vera Bowen; eight grandchildren, Michael (Shannon), Matthew, JulieAnn Barroza, Lisa (Nathanial) Guary, Damian Hill, Jennifer (Jonathan) Nolen, and Justin and Sierra Barroza; and several great-grandchildren.
Lucky is remembered as a self-employed business owner of Quality Feed and Farm Mart in Gilroy, who branched out to become a successful poultry farmer throughout the local area.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, flying a Twin Comanche, amateur AM radio, and was a proud long-life member of E Clampus Vitus 1850 and the Gilroy Elks Lodge. One of his biggest thrills in life was seeing his wife receive her pilot license. They were known for their whirl wind tours flying to Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, and Canada.
His family wishes to send their sincere appreciation to the care givers at Village Green, St. Louise Hospital, Gilroy Health Care, Visiting Angels and HeartLand Hospice, for their care and support.
Friends and family are invited to the vigil service on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at 6:30 PM at Habing Family Funeral Home, located at 129 Fourth Street in Gilroy. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 24, 2012, at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Mary’s Church, located at 11 First Street in Gilroy. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Condolences can be made at www.HabingFamilyFuneralHome.com
