Obituary of Porfirio V. Cisneros

Porfirio V. Cisneros, 85, of Lodi, peacefully entered into rest in the presence of his beloved family, on Thursday, October 9, 2003 at a Lodi hospital following a long illness. A native of San Pedro, Jalisco, Mexico, Mr. Cisneros was born on September 10, 1918, the son of Ines Cisneros and Maria Vaca. Mr. Cisneros grew up in Mexico, where he worked a variety of jobs. On November 26, 1945, he married Magdalena Huerta, a marriage blessed with almost 58 years of love and happiness. In 1950, the family came to the United States and settled in Glendale, California, where he worked assisting his sister-in-law with her restaurant business. In 1958, they moved to Stockton, and owned and operated El Torito Restaurant. From 1959 to 1960, they owned a second restaurant in Stockton, Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant. From 1960 to 1973, Mr. Cisneros owned a bookstore in Stockton, La Libreria. In 1975, Mr. Cisneros came to Lodi and in partnership with his son, opened Porfi's Mexican Restaurant on Cherokee Lane. He was active in the operation of the business until his retirement in 1981. Mr. Cisneros was a devoted family patriarch who cherished the company of his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and was always optimistic and hopeful. He is remembered by those he knew him for his humble and compassionate way of dealing with others, his dedication to his family, his unconditional kindness to strangers, his admirable devotion to his Catholic faith, for the wisdom he imparted to those who sought his help and advise, and for the remarkable example of a life well lived he set for others. Growing up in rural Mexico, he had an extraordinary way of relating to animals, especially horses and cattle. He also enjoyed listening to traditional Mexican "Rancheras" music as well as classics by Pedro Infante, Agustin Lara, Jorge Negrete and others. He was member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Lodi, and was formerly active as a "Cursillista" (religious seminary for lay people) in other parishes prior to coming to Lodi. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Magdalena Cisneros of Lodi; two sons, Deacon Porfirio S. Cisneros of Lodi, and Guillermo Cisneros of Stockton; three daughters, Enriqueta De Santiago and Patricia Vasquez of Stockton, and Laura Hidalgo of Lodi; 8 grandchildren, Porfirio A. Cisneros, Adrian R. Cisneros, Christopher J. Cisneros, Danielle De Santiago, Leandra de Santiago, Sean Hidalgo, Steven Vasquez and Danielle Vasquez; three great-grandchildren, Akayla, Anthony and Aidan Hidalgo; eight brothers, Guadalupe "Lupito" Cisneros of Stockton, Adrian, Jesus, Manuel, Francisco, Adolfo, Felix and Lorenzo Cisneros, all of Ensenada, Mexico; and one sister, Soledad Abundi. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Trinidad Moreno and Gregoria Cisneros, and two brothers Luis and Jesus Cisneros. Friends are invited to attend visitations from 9 AM to 8 PM on Sunday and Monday, October 12th and 13th, 2003 at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Avenue in Lodi. An Evening Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be held on Monday at 7 PM at the mortuary, led by Deacon Porfi Cisneros. A mass of Christian Burial and Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut Street in Lodi, led by Father Thomas Hayes and Father Jairo Ramirez. Committal service and interment will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park. The family invites everyone to visit www.lodifuneralhome.com , where a virtual register book can be signed and a virtual memorial picture board may be viewed. To honor his memory, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Interfaith Dining Room, 545 W. Sonora Street, Stockton, CA 95203, or a charity of the donor's choice. Lodi Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements.