Manuel Gallegos Sr.

Manuel M. Gallegos, Sr.

The Gallegos family is heartbroken from the loss of this great man: their husband, father, brother, friend...their hero.  Manuel M. Gallegos, Sr., passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 31, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.  Manuel had a tremendous impact on so many people.  Although his demeanor was quiet in nature, his actions were ambitious.  His favorite quote was, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

Manuel was born on May 29, 1932 to Manuel L. and Laura Gallegos, in the small town of Ensenada, New Mexico.  For the past 58 years Manuel has been married to the love of his life, Emma Padilla.  They married on November 18, 1957.  Together they raised six children, raising them in the Catholic faith.  Manuel led his life faithfully to God and was a member of St. Rose of Lima and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Manuel never seemed old, he was our Superman.  His illness came as a surprise to many, especially his family.  He handled his sickness with grace and dignity.  Manuel trusted in God that He knew what was best.

During his lifetime Manuel opened and ran 18 beauty salons and a beauty college throughout the Wasatch front.  Along with being a hairdresser, he worked for 20 years at Hill Air Force Base as an engine mechanic.  In addition, Manuel opened and ran Manuel’s El Burrito Restaurant.  He opened the restaurant back in 1976 with his brother-in-law George Garcia.  Then later, Manuel Sr., opened the restaurant with his son, Manuel, Jr.  The El Burrito Restaurant has served the Clearfield community for 40 years, employing friends, neighbors, and relatives.

Manuel loved to take his family boating, camping, and fishing when his kids were young.  He was a lover of fancy cars and cowboy boots.  In his spare time he liked to restore cars or draw maps of a bigger, better salon or restaurant.  He was always known to lend a car or help someone in need.  He could always barter and trade with the best of them!  His loving heart and generosity will truly be missed.

Manuel is survived by his wife, Emma Padilla; sisters Inez (Marvin) Perea and Verna (Paul) Pace.  He is also survived by his children: Michelle Gallegos, Mike (Kathy) Gallegos, Manuel Jr. (Jenifer) Gallegos, Maria (Geoff) Banta, and Marie (Carl) Harwood; as well as 18 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.  Manuel is preceded in death by his daughter Yvonne Vasquez and granddaughter Christina Arcaris, parents Manuel L. Gallegos, Laura M. Martinez, and step-father Manuel D. Martinez.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2016 at St Rose of Lima, 210 S. Chapel St, Layton.  Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd.

The family wishes to thank Brent and all the wonderful nurses from Hearts for Health Hospice for all the amazing care.