Charles P. "Chuck" Fuentes

1952 - 2022

March 16, 1952 - September 13, 2022 Charles Patrick "Chuck" Fuentes, 70, passed Tuesday, September 13, 2022, Los Alamitos. Born March 16, 1952, Whittier CA, to Robert H. and Theresa M. Fuentes. Survived by spouse Linda L. Unruh of Lawndale, Siblings; Christine M. Fuentes, Bixby Knolls, Roberta T. "Bobbi" Buescher, Manhattan Beach, Andrea Kunkel (Robert) Long Beach, Cecelia C. Fuentes, Sonoma, Robert H. Fuentes III, Whittier, Christopher Fuentes (Paul) Hollywood, Joseph A. Fuentes (Amy), Dunwoody, GA. Godchildren; Ryan A. Kunkel, Jonathan Palomares, Dublin, CA, Robert H. Fuentes IV, Sierra Madre. Ray Morones, Santa Fe Springs. Raised in Norwalk, CA, Chuck attended St. John of God Catholic School, St. John Bosco H.S., Cerritos Community College and UC Berkley. Chuck was raised a proud Democrat, by his father, Robert H. "Bob" Fuentes a politico of some note. Chuck ran countless campaigns, and ran for office himself. He was a shrewd strategist with a keen sense of timing and a knack for connecting a candidate's vision to voter's concerns. Chuck was a ubiquitous presence in city, county, state, and national politics, causes, and committees. Chuck was elected the youngest member on the Cerritos Community College Board of Trustees. Chuck served for 26 years on the Democratic State Central Committee, was elected Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party in 1989, and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He worked at all levels of government. He was Chief of Staff to Grace Napolitano in her positions as a Councilwoman, State Assembly member and Congresswoman. Chuck was campaign manager for James K. Hahn in his initial successful campaign for City Controller, and his later successful campaigns for City Attorney and for Mayor of Los Angeles. Chuck served as Chief Administrative Officer for the Los Angeles City Controller's Office and later as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Los Angeles City Attorney. He was City Manager of Pico Rivera and was General Manager at the Central Basin Municipal Water District. A devout Roman Catholic, and a member Knights of Columbus, Norwalk Council 3678. An active member of numerous church communities, he served as a parish bereavement minister. Funeral Mass Wednesday, September 21 at American Martyrs Catholic Church, 700 15th St., Manhattan Beach 90266
Donations in Chuck Fuentes' memory may be made to Father Greg Boyle's Homeboy Industries: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/