The City of Huntington Park has lost a longtime public servant. City Councilman Manuel “Manny” Avila died Monday, according to the city. He was 81 years old.
Avila joined Huntington Park's government in 1999 as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He was elected to the City Council in 2017 and served as mayor from 2020 to 2021.
“Council Member Avila always worked hard to achieve the American Dream,” according to the city’s website. “He started his work experience in the City of Vernon Factories where he was a union member of the Steelworkers of America Local 7100 for over 25 years. He served as the Financial Secretary for over 13 years within the Steelworkers union, one of his greatest accomplishments. Manuel has always seen the importance of education. In Mexico, he obtained his high school diploma, attended college and became an elementary school teacher. When he came to California he continued with his education by attending East Los Angeles Community College where he graduated with high honors, obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology.”
Avila and his wife were married for 52 years and have three children.
Read more about his passing at the Los Angeles Times.
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Mr. Avila was from Pasadena.