MARGARITO GUZMAN
Feb. 22, 1929 - Sept. 21, 2020
Margarito Guzman, our beloved “Tata Guero” passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 21, 2020 surrounded by his family.
He was born on February 22, 1929 in Garcia de la Cadena, Zacatecas, Mexico. H e came to the United States in the early days o f the Bracero Program, leaving behind the family farm and cattle he had tended to a ll his young life. Years later, he met and married Manuela “Nellie” Esquerra. They raised two sons and six daughters.
In spite of his early love of cattle ranching, he was always a f armer at heart. From his childhood years of g rowing agave and corn on his family ranch in Mexico, to his years at Stafford Hannon Ranches working as a heavy equipment operator, to the immaculate yard he kept that once won him Brawley’s B eautification Award, his love of the land was undeniable.
He will a lways be remembered for his work ethic, honesty, a nd love for his ever- growing family. His presence was unforgettable, f rom his tall a thletic build, t o his strong, sonorous voice with which he told his countless stories of the past.
He is preceded in his death by sons George Guzman and Alfredo Guzman, as well as grandson Hector Aceves, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Manuela “Nana Nellie” Guzman; daughters a nd s on- in- laws Elvia and Hector Aceves, Sylvia and Tom Garcia, Elsa and Xavier Harvey Santana of S an Diego, Alma and Tony Porras of Chula Vista, Martha and Joe Anaya, Letty and Rick Goddard, and daughter- in- law L ucy Rodriguez Guzman. His pride was his children, but his joy was his many grandchildren: Anthony, Gabriel, and C laudia Aceves Armstrong; Tina Reina, Lisa Irungaray, and Jennifer Lyerly; Nick Santana, Michelle White, and Stephanie Williamson; Michael G uzman, Josh, Jacob, and Jordyn Porras; Priscilla Iniguez, Alisha DeGuzman, and Joe Anaya III.; and Brandon and Luke Goddard. He was also a great- grandfather of 34 children who are spread from San Diego to Annapolis, MD. The family would like to extend our gratitude to the caregivers Carlos Enriquez and Dennise Zamora, as well as Courtney with Accent C are Home Health and H ospice for the excellent care you have provided to our dad. A very s pecial t hanks to Dr. George Fareed for his exceptional care and compassion.
Funeral services will be held at F rye Chapel on Sunday, O ctober 11, 2020 from 6 to 9pm. Due to restrictions, the burial a t Riverview Cemetery on Monday, October 12, 2020 will be private. A celebration of l ife will be announced at a later date.