Manuel Valenzuela

Manuel Valenzuela, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 80. He was born on November 21, 1945, in Tucson, where he would spend his life creating cherished memories with family and friends.

A graduate of Pueblo High School, Manuel dedicated many years of his life as a truck driver, eventually retiring as operations manager for M&D Terminals. His commitment to his career was matched only by his devotion to his family. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Gloria Valenzuela, and an amazing dad to his children: Bernadette Dulaney (Matthew), Cesar Dabdoub (Lisa), Brian Munoz, Suzette Munoz, Angelino Munoz, and Casandra "Chiquita Bonita" Juarez.

Manuel's vibrant personality shone through his great sense of humor and honor. He was a respectable and honorable man, deeply religious and a devout Catholic, which played a significant role in his daily life. He relished moments spent outdoors, enjoying camping, hunting, and fishing. His leisure time often included visits to the casino and listening to Tejano music while savoring a cold beer. Known for his luck, he also enjoyed the thrill of testing his fortune with scratch-offs.

Family was paramount to Manuel, he embraced his role as a caregiver to his wife and took great joy in raising his nieces and nephews as his own. This act of love brought him immense happiness and strengthened the bonds within his family. He found pride in his grandchildren: Alyssa (Christopher), Dominique (Victor), Shadie (Elijah), Johnny (Adrianna), Mercedes, Alex Jr., Timothy, Frankie, Ruben, Alejandro, Sergio, Rudy, Isabella, and Michael, as well as his great-grandchildren: Milli, Gabby, Lincoln, Drayce, Kalaya, Anabel lee, Benjamin, Peter, Penina, Elijah, Sonnie, Cristian, Juanito, Valentina, and Novaleigh.

Manuel will be dearly missed by many, including his siblings, Ramona Islas, Margaret Dobson, and Tony Valenzuela, along with countless nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Alex Munoz, his granddaughter, Savannah, parents, Alberto and Guadalupe Valenzuela and siblings Frank, Luis, Albert, and Jose.

A visitation will be held on March 6, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Martinez Funeral Chapels - Tucson, followed by a Rosary at 9:00 AM. A Mass in celebration of his life will commence at 11:00 AM at Santa Cruz Catholic Church.

In this time of mourning, we remember Manuel Valenzuela not only for his achievements and dedication but also for the love and joy he brought to those around him. May he rest in peace.