Manuel Moitoza Jr., 91, a long time Los Banos resident, passed away in the early morning hours of September 15, 2016 at Memorial Hospital, Modesto. Manuel is survived by 3 children: daughters Tina (Gary) Souza, Sandra Culley, son Fred (Rosemary) Moitoza and 5 grandchildren: Michael Souza, Hayley Souza, Jessica (David) Crandall, Matthew Moitoza and Chris Moitoza.

Manuel’s mother Angie Lee, father Manuel Moitoza Sr., sister Irene Giannone, and little brother Freddie Moitoza all preceded him to their final rest.

Manuel was raised on local farms during the 1920’s and 30’s working with his father as age and ability permitted engaging in the chores and diversions typical of dairy farms of the era. He had an excellent memory for those days often detailing the memorable and mundane from his early life. These were stories of ordinary farm life and work told with amusement and pride.

When Manuel turned 18 in 1943 he entered the military service in the US Navy (possibly because he had heard that the best food of all the services was to be found there). Surviving Boot Camp he was assigned to a brand new Escort Carrier. During the ship’s maiden voyage to the Hawaiian Islands, Manuel was one of the few novice seamen not incapacitated by sea sickness earning him the job of helmsman steering the large ship despite a complete lack of training. He excelled and was posted to that assignment for an extended period. At Battle Station he manned a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun. Manuel looked back on these experiences serving his country with great pride (3 ribbons, 3 battle stars, and the distinction of his ship destroying a fully loaded Kamikaze “Frances” bomber just yards away from his ship during the frightening early days of the battle for Okinawa).

At war’s end Manuel returned to the Los Banos area and worked in various Ag related, auto, construction and propane service and repair jobs. He married, began a family, and lastly worked for, and retired from a local school district job.

Manuel’s quiet and uncomplicated life after retirement was filled with maintaining his automobile and camper pickup for trips to the mountains, beach, etc., caring for a multitude of neighborhood pets, and an occasional family visit. He also enjoyed infrequent hunting trips with close family members.


His services will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 beginning with a visitation from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel; rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Los Banos Cemetery District.

Services under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel~ Los Banos.