Augustine (Gus, Mallie) Sanchez Munoz
Our precious Father, Beloved Husband, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Great-Great Grandfather, Brother, Son, and Friend left this earth peacefully on August 10 @ 12:45pm. Louis Armstrong’s song “It’s a Wonderful World” played in the background. Despite some of his health challenges, he would say he had a wonderful life, and the world was beautiful.
We are all stories remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made, and the people we loved. Our dear Dad’s story is a remarkable one. He grew up in Carpinteria in Cramer Track. (Hollywood), where he would make friends that would last a lifetime. Many of his friends passed before him and anxiously have been waiting for him. If you were his friend, we appreciate you being like family to him and making his life extraordinary.
Our Dad attended Aliso School and Carpinteria High and then went into the Military, where he became a Corporal in World War ll in the 63rd Infantry Division, Blood and Fire Unit. He was proud to be a Veteran and to have served his Country. He found employment at the Lemon Packing House upon his return.
Soon after is where, he encountered the love of his life, Jeanette. Her presence left him starry-eyed, and that feeling never waned. Their relationship was groundbreaking as one of the first interracial couples, and their love transcended barriers, paving the way for others. They had three children first Judy then Suzie and then a son Robert. As a young family, our Dad would take us on many adventures in Yosemite, Mexico, and Hawaii, to name a few. He taught us generosity by making many trips to Ensenada to an Orphanage where he supplied anything from jerseys and sports equipment to refrigerators, food, and popcorn machines; his joy was to see others’ joy.
Soon, our Dad was given a job offer that would change his life; he was offered a job at UCSB. There, he would soar, take his love of people, plants, and this world, and combine them all together. Once situated there, he was allowed to bring on more for hire, which he would do. Getting so many young men from Carpinteria jobs that they would finally tell him enough. Our Dad would go on to win many awards at UCSB, from beautiful campus awards to conservation efforts and more as the Superintendent. His most outstanding achievement at UCSB was his remarkable ability to regard everyone as equals, from Janitors to Chancellors. They were all equally important to him, worthy of the same respect and care.
Our Dad and Mom were inseparable, and he constantly desired that she would be happy. He gave her a life filled with adventure and love, and their love endured for almost 70 years of marriage. He loved her hair and would always comment on her beauty and artistic talent.
His memory will live on in the stories we tell; please keep telling them, be it a house he helped build, an orchard he picked at, a BBQ he ate at, or a game of yours he came to. He loves nothing more than his family and friends and the stories that go with it add a little Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra and some Mariachi and he was happy. Don’t ever doubt you were loved by him.
His dedication to God was unwavering as he Ushered at his beloved Parish, Mt. Carmel. He was very proud to be a part of the Mt Carmel Family.
Our Dad was preceded in death by his mother, Dolores Alonzo, Aunt Mary Vallejo, Beloved brother Robert Daniel, Brother Gilbert Alonzo, Virginia ( Terry) Griego.
He is survived by Jeanette Munoz, his beloved wife; daughter Judy Morelli (Dennis); Daughter Suzie De Alba (Tony); Robert Munoz (Theola) sister Irene Alonzo; brother Robert Rivas, Cousin Clem Vallejo; nieces and nephews Tammy, Tina, and Cindy Alonzo, Debbie, and Michael Griego, and the many others whom he called family.
Grandchildren, Miquelia-Mickie Miller (Juan), Vincent De Alba, Christina Morelli (Carmen), Toni Ann Frary (Jared), Jesse De Alba ( Rozalynn) Jenny De Alba, Elena De Alba, Johnny Jimenez (Maya)
Great-Grand-Children: William Cervantes, Jordan and Samone Tye, Breanna Dubrin (Jake), Matthew Williams, Eric, Isaac, Daniel and Raiden Georgopoulos, Jesse and Alyia De Alba, Vincent (Vinny) and Emma De Alba.
Great-Great-Grandchildren Sophia Bliss Cervantes, Dax, Dakota, Jackson Dubrin, Laney and Wyatt Frary, Ezra and Evangeline Yap, Kaylee Rose Cervantes
We will never forget his selfless way of life, generous spirit that helped us all buy a home, and contagious laughter and playful jokes and the silly nicknames he gave us. We will remember him enjoying a good pot of Suzie’s beans, going on fishing adventures with Bobby, and watching Judy swim. We also cherish his love for tortillas and menudo simple pleasures, his passion for plants, and his friends who became our family. His playful way with grandchildren whom he adored. Above all, we will never forget his deep and unwavering love for our mom.
We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the friends and neighbors who continued to keep him company in his later years. Your conversations and time meant everything to him and made him feel connected and valued. Dr. Fearer, your exceptional care for our Dad is deeply appreciated. We are forever grateful and touched that you even checked on us while on vacation. You’re the best!
May our Dad’s legacy endure through our stories and love for one another.
Dad we will miss you till we see you again!
It was impossible to condense our father’s 93 years of life into this small space. Please join us to honor his life, celebrate the man we all loved, and share your stories with us.
Service:
August 23 @ 11am
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
1300 E Valley Road
Graveside Service immediately followed.
Carpinteria Cemetery
1501 Cravens Lane
Our Dad has always planned the next BBQ, so please join us.
Celebration of His life at:
Frary Ranch
1390 Casitas Pass Road
Carpinteria CA
Compa, you have been waiting; he is on his way! #lycheenut