Manuel Z. Lara

1938 - 2017

Manuel Z. Lara Dec. 12, 1938 July 18, 2017 Resident of Richmond, CA Sadly, we had to say goodbye early Tuesday morning, July 18, as God called home our precious angel. We find solace in knowing that his pain and suffering have ended. A beloved and devoted father, grandfather, and friend, he leaves behind many loved ones with an emptiness no one else can ever fill. Words cannot convey the impact he had on the lives of all he touched. His kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Born in Moroleon, GTO., Mexico on December 12, 1938, to Antonia Zavala and Pedro Lara who preceded him in death, Manuel was the brother of three sisters and two brothers: Carmen (deceased), Josephina (deceased), Maria Concepcion, Bertha, Roberto, & Miguel. Manuel proudly worked for Safeway Inc. for 30 years as a warehouseman. His work ethic is something all admired and that his children and grandchildren strive to emulate. His faith sustained him through life's challenges and his devotion to La Virgen de Guadalupe gave him strength to persevere even in the most difficult of times. He enjoyed movies, cooking, and watching sports--in particular boxing and soccer--but his greatest love was music. In Mexico, he performed as a vocalist in a trio. He was also a wonderful storyteller, bringing the songs he sang to life and weaving his great sense of humor and infectious laugh into the stories he shared. Manuel is survived by his three children Marisol Lara, Rosalia Lara-McMaster, & Emanuel Lara; his seven grandchildren Carina, Robert Jr., Nicolas, Ariana, Omar Jr., Emilio, & Esai; great-granddaughter Athena; son-in-law Robert & daughter-in-law Marlene; with family throughout Mexico and the United States. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate his life beginning with a viewing scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2017, from 1 pm to 8 pm at Wilson & Kratzer Chapel of the Mission Bells in San Pablo. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Church Friday, July 28, at 11 am followed by interment at St Joseph's Cemetery in San Pablo. A reception will follow at St. Paul's parish hall. Please help us honor Manuel's memory by always working hard, showing kindness, and giving from your heart. Wilson & Kratzer 510-232-6552