Margarito R. Guillén

October 17, 1949 - December 18, 2020

Margarito Ramos Guillén died on December 18, 2020, in Oakland after a battle with COVID, surrounded by his family from behind a screen. Margarito was born on October 17, 1949, in Celestino Negrete, grew up among a humble family in a remote rural town in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Durango, Mexico. Born into a large family, he is survived by his eight sisters and four brothers, dozens and dozens of nieces and nephews and godchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, José Leandro Guillén and Toribia Ramos Guillén.

He learned at an early age the value of hard labor, caring for the family livestock and working the fields, helping his parents tend to the crops. He was a very mischievous kid and thought he could do anything and confronted any obstacles that came his way with tenacity.

As a young man, he immigrated to the United States with hardly any money in his pockets to pursue his American Dream. He survived the hardships and sacrifices of the U. S.Mexican border along with two of his best friends from the same hometown. Margarito followed his father, Leandro, who came to labor in the agricultural fields of California as a “bracero” during the WWII labor shortage. Dad’s resiliency in making it to the U. S. meant overcoming struggles of not having any food to eat or a place to sleep at times.

Once on U. S. soil, his journey as a new American began, and it would change the lives of many forever – for the best. He settled in San Francisco’s Mission District, calling the neighborhood home for more than 30 years and most recently called San Pablo, CA home. In 1968, Margarito would find employment at the Hilton Hotel Union Square, where he started in the laundry room and eventually ended a nearly 45- year career as Assistant Pastry Chef – providing deliciousness and sweetness to all his guests and friends. There, he would meet the love of his life, Marlene ( Jiron) Guillén. They were married and partnered for nearly 50 years, started a family and raised three boys, David, Abel and Kevin. His love and well- being for his family was his number one priority.

A proud rank- and- file member of UNITE HERE! Local 2, he taught his sons how to work hard, have respect for others, and fight for what you believe in. He was a huge Giant’s fan, even though in the 80’ s he at times cheered for the Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela. He enjoyed watching Cal Football, soccer, fishing and slicing a tasty watermelon to share with family and friends. In his last days, he enjoyed listening to his favorite rancheras and norteñas on full blast and going on adventures with his grandkids.

Quick to make friends and sometimes shy, he always lent a helping hand no matter the person’s station in life. He led quietly by example, often pulling over on the side of the road to help a fellow motorist in need – just because “it was the right thing to do,” he would say. We will never forget those small kindnesses he showed to complete strangers. He was a man of few words, sometimes with a temper that would dissipate quickly and was always grateful.

Margarito is also survived by his granddaughter Gabriela, grandson Christian, great- grandkids Isaac, Marcelus and Liliana. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, therapists and clergy who cared for Dad. Per his wishes, Dad will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date when gatherings are allowed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his memory be made to the following: 1. Alameda County Community Food Bank ( https:// donate. accfb. org/ ecard), 2. A donation to help Margarito’s wishes to ensure an education fund for his grandkids at Ugift529. com ( Gift Code: U1R- H65). Te amamos papi. No te preocupes por mamá. La cuidaremos bien, como siempre lo hizo usted con su ejemplo. Descansa, rest now, your work here is done. We will always love you Pop!