Manuel Cortez ‘Manny’ Guaderrama

September 6, 1939 - July 6, 2023

ALPINE — Manuel “Manny” Guaderrama Sr. passed away peacefully on July 6, 2023, at the age of 83, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Manny was born in National City, California, on September 6, 1939, to Manuel and Angelina Guaderrama. He attended San Diego High School, where he met his first wife, Annette. He was the first person in his family to attend college, while working full time, earning a Bachelor’s Degree from La Verne College and a Master’s degree from United States International University.

After graduating from high school, Manny worked as a carpenter then served two years in the United States Army before joining the San Diego Police Department on October 20, 1961. He was very committed to serving his community and excelled as a police officer, becoming the first Latino in the Department’s history to rise to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police. After a 30-year law enforcement career, retiring from the Police Department in 1991, Manny was appointed by then Governor Pete Wilson to serve on the California Board of Prison Terms, a position he held for eight years.

While Manny had a distinguished professional career, he was also the family patriarch and equally committed as a family man. He loved and was loved by his wife of 57 years, Gloria, who passed away unexpectedly in June 2022. He loved and was a role model for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was known by many names: Dad, Grandpa, Papa and Pops.

Manny was predeceased by his wife Gloria, sister Lily Avalos and brother Hector Guaderrama. He is survived by his four children, Manuel “Manny’ Guaderrama (Cari), Tina Escobar (Miguel), Teresa Cope, and Albert Guaderrama (Tracy), sisters Angelita Rodriguez and Tina Susi, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Manny was loved by his family and touched many others during a life well-lived. We miss him deeply, and he will forever be in our hearts.

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