In the evening hours of Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, hand in hand with his wife of 64 years, Manuel Montero Dominguez Jr. passed away at the age of 85 in his San Francisco home. He is survived by his wife Ygnasia Dominguez and their 10 children: Anita, Ida, Dolores, Lisa, Joey, Terry, Angel, Miguel, Paul, and David.

Born in Brawley, California in 1934, he was the eldest son of parents Manuel Dominguez Sr. and Fidela Montero. Manuel and Ygnasia were married in San Francisco in 1955 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, starting their family in a Cortland Avenue house before moving to their Lowell Street Victorian in 1966, which would become homebase for our family for the past 55 years, and a safe haven for innumerable foster kids the couple would take in through the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. 

His family and friends will remember Manuel as a welcoming force, ensuring that anyone who needed it had a home within the walls of his house. In addition, he was always the first to ensure that anyone who passed through the door was well fed, washed, and felt like they belonged. He was referred to as “Dad” by dozens more than just his five daughters and five sons, which stands as a testament to his stature as a paternal pillar in our hearts, minds, and greater San Francisco community. 

Manuel was a dedicated reader and would love to regale those lucky enough to listen with summaries of countless thrillers he was consistently tearing through. He could name off any classic Cowboy Western, and we loved to watch alongside him as he shared facts about the stars, production, and true history behind the story. At the same time, he was also a talented storyteller, gathering around any of his 19 grandkids at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or random weekend visit to share tales from his past or breakdown the lyrics to his favorite Mariachi. His kids, grandkids, and great grandkids will remember his often told origin story: walking to school in the snow, no shoes, uphill both ways in desert climate Brawley, California… being chased by dinosaurs. 

A proud Mexican-American, Manuel’s story is that of the elusive American Dream so much great art attempts to conjure. Born to modest beginnings in Brawley, the seed he planted in San Francisco as a union Locksmith for 35 years at San Francisco State, has birthed, cultivated, and branched prosperity for his successors, a unified collection of small business owners, college graduates, homeowners, and artists. His life is one to marvel at, study, and attempt to emulate. 

We will miss him dearly. 

Services will be held at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary

500 Westlake Ave. 

Daly City, CA 94014

Visitation and Rosary Services: 

Wednesday December 11, 2019

5:00pm to 9:00pm

Rosary will begin at 7:00pm

Funeral Mass
Our Lady of Mercy Church

1 Elmwood Drive

Daly City, CA 94015

Thursday December 12, 2019

10:00 AM

Burial
Holy Cross Cemetery

1500 Mission Road

Colma, CA 94014

Thursday, December 12, 2019

11:45AM