Obituary of Manuel Joseph Avila

Galt resident, Manuel Joseph Avila, passed away July 5, 2023 after a brief illness at the age of 78. He was born March 7, 1945 in Stockton, California to parents Manuel Jr. and Mary Avila of Tracy.

Manuel lived in Tracy until he graduated from Tracy High School in 1964 and moved to Sacramento to attend Sacramento State University. He was known for being extremely hard-working and independent, putting himself through school and working multiple jobs to support his family. Manuel was a teacher for over 40 years, the majority of his tenure was at F.C. Joyce Elementary School in Sacramento. After retiring in 2007, he was a substitute teacher for the Galt Joint Union School District for 10 years. Manuel was a member of the Sacramento Portuguese Holy Spirit Society, Our Lady of Fatima Sacramento, Our Lady of Fatima of Thornton, and S.E.S. He was a parishioner of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Galt where he lived for over 30 years. Manuel’s family and friends were his whole world to whom he showed every ounce of his kindness and generosity. 

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents and son, Damon Avila. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Avila; their daughter, Melissa Rocha (Shawn); 3 grandchildren, Ryan, Kayley, and Taylor Rocha; siblings, Steven Avila, Ernie Avila, and Mary Lou Canale and many more dear family and friends. 

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19th from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. with a Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Avenue, in Lodi. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 20th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 950 S. Lincoln Way, in Galt, followed by a committal at Galt-Arno Cemetery, 14180 Joy Dr.