David Nunez

~May The Work I've Done Speak For Me~ David Nunez, 64, a treasured Son, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Godfather, coach, compadre, mentor, artist, and long time East Salinas community leader, passed away on January 19, 2011 with his beloved family at his side. Born in Salinas November 12, 1946, David last worked at Rite Aid as a shipping and receiving clerk. Words cannot express our celebration of his many accomplishments and the many friendships that David was able to have during his time on earth. We were honored to have him here with us. His personal achievements were many and go back to the mid 1970's with his work to become one of the original founders and legends of "LOWRIDER MAGAZINE" in 1977. During that time, the magazine featured the state's many male and female car clubs with an emphasis on community involvement to improve the lives of the Mexican American youth through this new form of cultural/recreational activity. As one of the principal photographers, he was able to not only document the people and their organizations, but he was able to capture the true nature of the lowrider movement throughout California. During his involvment with the magazine, he was also instrumental in working with other community-minded young Chicanos and sponsored the first "Salinas Lowrider Car Show". As the event became larger, the locations changed from Sherwood Park to the Salinas Expo Site and in time, would grow to attract clubs from the entire southwestern states to exhibit their rides in Salinas. From this effort sprouted the "Barrio Pride Organization". The Barrio Pride orgaization was to become one of four Chicano organizations in the state to gain nonprofit status. David was one of the founding Board members of Barrio Pride. Following this achievement, the Barrio Pride Organization membership began to sponsor an annual Cinco de Mayo Parade and Fiesta, which in time would attract thousands to see the parade/fiesta and drew the participation of local elected officials, floats, marching bands, and folkorico groups from the Monterey county area. That organization would later become Cinco de Mayo/Barrio Pride, Inc. David was the heart and soul of this collective vision for our Raza in Salinas. As one of the principal founding members, David would soon step down as a board member to become the Photography Instructor for the Cultural Enrichment Program (CEP) on the corner of Alisal and Eucalyptus in the heart of East Salinas. David would continue his community service by offering free photogrphy classes for the handicapped youth, seniors, elementary and high school students. His leadership and participation in the Cultural Enrichment Progran and the Cinco de Mayo Barrio Pride Inc. was extremely valuable to the success of both organizations for a very long period of time. The emphasis of the CEP was on youth and their involvement in our community. He helped to organize the Barrio Pride Float for the Colmo Del Rodeo Parade, proud winner of the Mayor's trophy, free haunted house, canned food drive, easter egg hunt, and softball tournaments, to name a few. He was very instrumental in forming truces with the rivals on the streets of Salinas, taking creative measures to get our youth involved, David did it! David also served as a Board Member on the TRUCHA Counseling Center Board of Directors. After the CEP center closed due to funding reductions, David found employment with Rite Aid and became a UFCW Local #5 Union Shop Steward Representative. David was voted corporate "Employee of the Year", during his employment at Rite Aid. He took his artistic skills to the UFCW to win the union's annual Christmas Decorations Award. He enjoyed and put his talent to work to decorate his family home and was featured in The Californian several times during the past years. David was an avid San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49er's #1 Fan. He loved these sports and attended many games with friends and family. David further demonstrated his love of the game by being a coach to youth and adult teams in East Salinas. He was the one and only coach of JESSE'S RAIDERS for several years, as well as Diaz Brothers Bailsbond, and won two Championship titles in 1997 and 2006. His greatest personal coaching achievement was coaching the District 9 Little League Championship in 1985, along with a few others. David was able to collect the best of the best selection of Oldies in the original 45's which no one can match. He attended numerous Blues Festivals, and Oldies but Goodies concerts. During the 1970's he was the proud owner of a 1955 Chevy Bel-Air painted by local Rod Powell. His other loves were spending time with his wife of 38 Years, Gloria, his children, family BBQ's, camping trips (Festus Style). David's quiet time was gardening his beautiful scenic areas in the backyard. David was currently working on his 1953 Chevy Bel-Air. He also loved his dogs Sassy and Duchess... David's dream came true when he got to see (and felt the torture) the San Francisco Giants win the 2010 World Series. He also found the strength to attend the infamous San Francisco Giants World Series Celebration Parade. David is survived by his Wife, Gloria Acosta-Nunez, Parents, Carmen and Ralph Ceballos, Sons David Nunez, Jr. and Joshua Nunez, Daughters, Lisa, Lavine, and Priscilla Nunez. Sisters, Terry (Pat) Rivera, Delilah (Greg) Saucedo, Brothers, Arthur (Yanida) Fuentes, Charlie (Mona) Nunez, Danny, Rey, and Robert Ceballos, Aunt Tillie (Ramon) Ceballos, 8 Grand Children, 3 Great-Grandchildren, numerous Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and friends that would fill the skies... David is preceded in death by Sister Sylvia Cardona, and Brother Ralph Ceballos Jr., and his beloved dog "Sassy". The Family wishes to "Thank" the VNA/Hospice of the Central Coast for their personal care and help during this difficult time. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 28 1-6:30 PM at Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd. in Salinas. The Rosary will be held 7PM at Madonna Del Sasso Church, 320 E. Laurel Dr. in Salinas. Funeral Mass on Saturday, Jan. 29 12pm at the Church. David will take his "Last Cruise" procession to Garden of Memories Cemetery, his final resting place, at 850 Abbott St. in Salinas. Donations may be made to: Survivors fund at Bank of America Acct# 06555-04583 c/o Gloria Acosta.