Manuel “Papa Manny” Arredondo, 77, of Stockton, California, passed away in the comfort of his home on March 11, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born to parents Gabino and Guadalupe Arredondo, on July 12, 1941, in Norwalk, California. On December 7, 1941, the Arredondo family was in Santa Fe Springs celebrating the baptism of five month old Manuel. Out on a lone ranch, they were unaware Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. Manuel enjoyed sharing the fact his baptism took place on that historic day, “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy.”
In the summer of 1980, Manuel married the love of his life, the late Soledad. They were married for 32 years. Manuel is survived by son, Eddie Arredondo (Anna). Daughters, Karen Arredondo (Erik), Estefania Arredondo (Jose), Joann Arreola (Juan Carlos), and son David Arredondo. Surviving grandchildren Manuel “Pops” Arredondo, David Anthony Arredondo (Andrea), Andrea Marie Arredondo (Delfino), Mayra Kalena Urbina, Alejandra Nicole Urbina, Harleen Soledad Arreola, and Alexander Link Lopez. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Mia, Damian and Camila Cedillo and Genevieve Arredondo. Surviving sisters include Monica Ponce, Berta Aguirre, Margaret Huther, Rosemary Fernandez, and Alvina Bustamante. Along with many nieces and nephews.
Manuel is predeceased by his parents Gabino and Guadalupe Arredondo, beloved son David Arredondo, sisters Maria Guadalupe Provencio, Ester “Flora” Arcos and Mary Contreras.
Manuel was known for his integrity and hard work. Manuel decided to quit school after the 6th grade to help his father work and take care of the family. The Arredondo family migrated from Southern California to Northern California going from farm to farm as the seasons changed to harvest crops such as apricots and grapes among others. Later, Manuel would go on to work as a Waste Management Heavy Machine Operator for San Joaquin County’s Lovelace Transfer Station. After 45 years, he retired.
As a young man, Manuel dreamt of joining the military but was unable to do so due to an injury he sustained as a child. He would later live his dream through the eyes of his son who served as a U.S. Marine.
Manuel loved listening to the radio. He would often be found working in the yard wearing his headphones listening to music or listening to his favorite talk radio personalities such as Michael Savage. He also enjoyed listening to Coast to Coast AM. Manuel was an early riser, loved his coffee, and enjoyed drinking Natural Light on hot summer days. He had a sweet tooth and always had snacks such as oatmeal cookies (sugar free of course), pan dulce, pastries and ice-cream. He enjoyed his weekly shopping trips to Wal-Mart and Food-4-Less. His grandchildren brought him joy and fulfillment. Manuel was known to have many dogs throughout his lifetime, the most memorable from his early days are Friski and Sammi. He leaves behind “three kids” Sparky, Luna and Emily.
There was always a twinkle in Manuel’s eyes when he smiled. He will always be remembered for that handsome smile, his charismatic humor and his laughter as well as some of his famous, random sayings…

“Hurry up! I got a lot of things to do!”
“You’re #1!”
“Not my problem”
“A friend with weed is a friend indeed”
“Grandma got run over by a reindeer!”
His “War Paint”
“Have you seen my keys?”
“Drink prune juice…”
How’s the food dad? - “It’s alright…”
“Hot Coffee Please!”
“I haven’t slept in 10 days!!”
“Heeeey Jose!”
“High Anxiety!”
“Time to get up”
“Abbi-Normal”
“Don’t be so naive”
“Don’t be stu-pid”
“Don’t get smart with me”
“I had twins. Heckle and Jeckle”

The Arredondo family would like to extend their gratitude to the many friends and family who gave Manuel and his family the gift of love and compassion in his final days. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Hospice of San Joaquin’s attentive and kind staff who would bring some sunshine to our dark days.
Nurses: Roland, Ashley G and Marissa and the wonderful Home Health Aides: Maria and Oscar.
The visitation will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019, from 9:00 a.m until 11:00 a.m. followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. and Interment at 12:00 p.m. at the Park View Memorial Chapel and Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, please consider making a Tribute Gift
In Honor of Manuel & Soledad Arredondo to Hospice of San Joaquin.
https://www.hospicesj.org/contribute/tribute-gifts
Any questions, please contact Karen by email arredondok@icloud.com

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