Gilbert Manriquez; Retired Postmaster

Gilbert M. Manriquez, retired San Fernando postmaster and community leader, has died in Santa Monica. He was 64. A resident of Mission Hills, Manriquez died Sunday of a heart attack. Born and raised in the West Los Angeles area, Manriquez graduated from Santa Monica College. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he worked in the electronics drafting field for the Bendix Corp. and also taught electronics and mechanical drafting at the Pacoima Skills Center, said longtime friend Antonio Flores. In 1965, Manriquez became San Fernando postmaster, overseeing five North Valley post offices. Manriquez held the position until his retirement in 1985. Manriquez had served on several community groups and was a board member and president of the Latin American Civic Assn. of the San Fernando Valley. In that capacity, Manriquez helped establish the LACA Higher Horizons youth program and accelerate the growth of the organization’s Headstart program. Manriquez is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carol; son Gilbert Jr.; daughters Maria and Carla; mother Jennie Ledesma; brother Tony Ledesma, and two grandchildren. A funeral Mass was held Thursday with internment at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum. Gates, Kingsley & Gates Mortuary in Santa Monica handled the arrangements.