The Newspaper of Record since 1878
Manuel Rocha was born on Nov. 22, 1944. He left this earth to be with his heavenly father on July 18, 2022.
Manuel retired from BHP, Pinto Valley Copper Company after 41 years.
He served in the National Guard as a young man for several years. He enjoyed listening to his “oldies but goodies” and Spanish music, hiking, fishing and working out at the gym.
He is survived by his devoted wife Grace; his son Christian; his brother George; his sisters Virginia Scheier and Lupe Johnson; his three grandchildren Brian Laguna, Jordan Laguna and Alexis Laguna; his “Rays of Sunshine” as he called them, great-grandchildren Layla, Cameron, Danica, Kaiden, Xavier and Baby Desmond; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Eric; his mother Lupe Rocha; his stepbrother Charles Johnson; his stepsister Clara Garcia; and his three brothers Louis, Raymond and Richard.
We wish to thank everyone who brought food, sent flowers and shared words of comfort. Our special gratitude to our friends and former neighbors, the Villalobos and Estevane families who donated the delicious food at the reception. Also our love and thanks to our niece and husband Tom Hamon, who have been there for us in so many ways.
To all who loved and respected Manuel, especially brother-in-law Larry Espinoza, goddaughter Kimberly Nunez and his best friends since childhood, Art Gonzales and Johnny Gonzales. Also our gratitude to Gilbert Ballesteros, who faithfully visited him at home and at Haven and took Manuel out for rides when he was able to get out for some fresh air.
To his family and friends, who knew what a good, honest and hardworking man he was, he will be missed and always remain in our hearts.
