Juan M. Morales

Juan M. Morales, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, peacefully passed away at home on December 31, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 19, 1937, in San Julián, Jalisco, Mexico, Juan was the eldest of eight siblings and a guiding light to all who knew him.
In 1954, at the age of 17, Juan made the courageous decision to leave his home in Mexico and immigrate to the United States. With little formal education but an unwavering work ethic, he eventually founded a successful landscaping business in Goleta, California. It was in 1962 that he met Juana, the love of his life, and the two married soon after. Together, they raised six children-Lilly, Ana, Yolanda, Hector, Veronica, and Erica-nurturing them with love, faith, and a strong sense of community.
Juan lived life with an infectious enthusiasm. He had a deep love for mariachi music, which always brought him joy, especially when listening to his favorite artist, Vicente Fernandez. Travel was another passion, particularly his trips to Guadalajara, where he visited family. Despite being colorblind, his creativity in landscaping and home repairs shone brightly. His sharp sense of style, pride in his appearance, and love for life's simple pleasures-like his treasured Levi's and favorite baseball hats-were evident to all who knew him.
Fifteen years ago, after being told he would lose his eyesight, Juan and Juana decided to embrace the world together. They traveled extensively, visiting Alaska, Europe, Italy, Germany, Panama, and embarking on at least 14 cruises. These travels created countless cherished memories that they shared with their children and grandchildren.
December was Juan's favorite time of year, especially for decorating the house with Christmas lights-a tradition he passed on to his family. Even as his health began to decline, he ensured that the decorations, filled with love and attention to detail, were just as they always had been. This tradition became a way for him to continue sharing his joy with his family, leaving behind beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and a MAC infection in 2022, Juan's health declined significantly in the final months of 2024. But his spirit remained unbroken. He made it through Christmas, surrounded by the love of his family, and in his final days, he was visited by his children, grandchildren, and friends, leaving them with one final request: to take care of each other. Juan passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, reunited with his beloved daughter Lilly in heaven.
Juan's legacy of love, laughter, faith, and resilience will live on through his family. He is survived by his wife Juana, children Ana (Mike) Rodriguez, Yolanda (Joe) Cate, Hector Morales, Veronica (Gerardo) Gil, and Erica Morales; grandchildren Jazmin, Adrian, Diego, Marco, Fabio, Sandro, Fiona, Olivia, Tatumn, Tomas, and Talia; and great-grandchild Franco.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Melony Parent, Dr. Robert Wright, Denise Mann RN, BSN, and the entire Hospice team at VNA Health for their compassionate care.
A Funeral Mass to celebrate Juan's life will be held on January 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Rosary visitation will take place on January 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel, Santa Barbara, CA.
"With a rosary in hand and laughter in his heart, Juan shared his love and light with all he met. Now at peace, he is joyfully reunited with Jesus Christ."