View Hector Briones's Obituary and express your condolences

Obituary for Hector BrionesHector Manuel Briones, 81, entered the next phase of life on January 7, 2026. Just 12 days away from his 82nd birthday, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and in the place, he loved the most - his home.Hector was born on January 19,1944 in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico to Cenobio and Alicia Briones. The sixth of seven children, he spent his childhood in Juarez. Always studious and curious, he was often found helping at his Tio Mario’s “mercadito” where he learned work ethic and the value of a dollar. "Tocho" (as he was nicknamed) also began his lifelong devotion to the Catholic faith as an altar boy where he spent many years at the local church. At age 13, the family moved to California and settled in Pacoima, CA. He attended Pacoima Junior High and eventually San Fernando Senior High. Shortly after graduating, he became a United States citizen while never forgetting where he came from.Always connected to his Mexican roots, he advocated for the immigrants trying to find their way to the American dream in the United States. As a result, he became heavily involved with the United Farm Workers in the mid 1960s where he often marched with Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta as they formalized a union for the farm workers. Hector attended Valley State College, and worked the graveyard shift at General Motors in the parts department to support not only himself, but his family. Eventually, he transferred to his beloved alma mater, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in International Relations in 1967. A lifelong pacifist, he was then drafted for the Vietnam War in 1969 and was stationed in various places, but mainly, the Panama Canal for most of his service. Although he was completely against the war, he accepted his fate and served the country he loved so much. Upon his return to civilian life, he pursued his Juris Doctorate in Criminal Law from the University of Southern California (USC) where he graduated in 1975. As a lawyer, he worked for the public defender in Ventura County and eventually opened up his own practice as a criminal defense attorney in Oxnard and later in his own community of San Fernando until 1990. He then took on a position with the Latin American Civic Association, which primarily ran Head Start programs in the San Fernando Valley as well as provided many resources for the low income community. Over the course of many years, he worked with several non-profits centered around providing low income housing for residents of the San Fernando Valley until beginning his role with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in their Catholic Charities division in 2007. He started with Catholic Charities as a regional director and upon being hired, said that it was “his dream job” as it combined his love of the Catholic faith, but also his love of helping the community. He retired in 2016.For over 40 years, Hector was very involved at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Pacoima. Not only a devout attendee, but he volunteered countless years at the parish. His four children attended the school there and he was very involved with the parent/teacher association there for many years. He served as the head of the Parish Council, the secretary of the little league, sang in the choir, participated in planning social dances, and for countless years, served as the emcee of the annual parish “fiesta” for the various performances and events. While being involved there in the 1970s, Hector was also one of the founding members of M.E.N.D. (Meet Each Need with Dignity) and served on their advisory board for many years as well. Always having performed with a choir as a strong tenor, he was asked to join the choir at St Paul the Apostle in Westwood and sang with the choir there for over 10 years before joining the choir at St Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood with whom he actually toured Ireland with.Hector is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Rosie, and their four sons, Chino, Raul, Matthew, and Bobby. He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Maria and Araceli; his grandsons, Vincent, Kyle, and Aiden Jordan (AJ); his siblings, Mary Helen, Susie, and Rosie; and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.In his quieter moments, Hector loved reading and faithfully completing the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle every Sunday. Music was central to his life—he delighted in classic Spanish music, cumbias, salsa, jazz, blues, and Latin jazz, and he was always ready to dance. A devoted sports fan, he passionately followed all UCLA teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Hector also had a deep fascination with politics, especially the Kennedy era, and proudly served as a delegate for Robert Kennedy and George McGovern.Rest in peace, Dad. Your memory will live on not only in our hearts, but in the countless lives you touched through your compassion, service, and unwavering love for justice and community.

Hector Manuel Briones

Guest Book

Obituary

Hector's Obituary