Thomas Gilbert Munoz
Thomas Gilbert Munoz, also known as Tommy, Tom, Tio, Papa, and Papa T to the many that loved him, passed away peacefully in Sonora at the age of 87 on December 12th, with his four loving daughters at his side.
Tommy was a San Leandro native. He graduated from San Leandro High School in January 1952, where he played baseball. He was also well-known as a professional baseball player for the Oakland Oaks and the Stockton Ports from 1952 to 1962. He also played for the Dodgers Organization, and in Santa Barbara and Macon, Georgia, as well. After his baseball career, he opened Tom’s Barber Shop at the Estudillo Center in San Leandro before joining Oakland Scavenger Garbage Company. He then became owner/operator of a nursery in Palomares Canyon in Castro Valley. He retired to his home on the Delta in Tracy before finally moving to Sonora Hills in Sonora, in May 2015.
He loved growing his fruits and vegetables, canning many of them to share with family and friends. who always enjoyed receiving them. He also loved watching the New York Yankees. His love of family beautifully showed through every time they were together, a true, kind, caring, and loving person who will truly be missed by all.
Tommy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley (Rogers) Munoz, who he was married to for 52 years until her passing in April 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents, who immigrated from Spain, Casimiro Gomes Munoz and Fermina Aloquia Munoz.
He leaves five children: David Thomas, Leane (Munoz) Fox, Carrie (Munoz) Jones, Corinne (Rinnie) Munoz, and his tomboy, Lisa Mari Munoz; grandchildren Dennis Lee, Amy (Jones) Valdez, Lacey Thomas, Dayne Thomas, Garrett Rothrock, Klayton Rothrock, Devina Odom and Michael (Fox) Robertson; great-grandchildren Jalen Lee, Jamie Jensen, Seth Spetter, Blake Brancato, Jesilyn Jensen, Madison Jensen, Michael Valdez and Vivianna Rothrock. He also leaves his older brother, Cas Munoz, Jr. (Barbara), and his children David Munoz and Linda Munoz.
Services will be determined in early 2022 at Sonora Hills Community Clubhouse, 19601 Greenley Road in Sonora.
In our Eternal Love and Memory …
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