Nicholas Manuel "Nick" Bravo

Nicholas Manuel Bravo
March 9, 1939 ~ December 3, 2025

Nick Bravo passed away in Modesto, California, at the age of 86. He was born in Ventura, California, to Manuel and Mary Bravo. Nick joined the United States Marine Corps in 1956, where he received a medal for achieving expert rifleman status within his platoon. In the Corps, he worked as a jet mechanic and crew chief, ensuring his aircraft were maintained in full operational readiness.

He married Sally Avila in June of 1963, and they shared more than 50 years of marriage before Sally's passing in 2018. Together, they had four children.

Nick worked at FMC for 20 years as a maintenance plant mechanic in Modesto and as a certified government welder in the armory munitions division in San Jose. He later worked another 20 years at Gallo Winery in Modesto as a forklift and clamp-lift operator.

Nick could often be found outdoors, where he loved boating and fishing on Lake McClure. He also enjoyed sports. He proudly founded and managed his own team in the Mexican-American Baseball League, the Modesto Giants, where he played alongside his brother Steve, as well as on his company softball team. He enjoyed coaching his eldest son, Konrad, on the Tuolumne Tigers flag football team and shared a love of working on cars with his middle son, Victor. His deepest devotion was toward his youngest son, Henry, offering him continual support with quiet strength and commitment.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Avila Bravo; his daughter, Lora Bravo; his parents, Manuel and Mary Bravo; and his brother, Steve Bravo.
He is survived by his sisters Frances Ballestero and Rosemarie Choate; his sons Konrad (wife Bernice), Victor (wife Mary), and Henry; and his four grandchildren: Nicholas, (fiancée Cindy), Manuel, Victor, (wife Breeanna) and Myrissa.

A funeral service will be held at Allen Mortuary on Friday, December 12, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.