Al Muniz Al Muniz, a former Newport...

Al Muniz

Al Muniz, a former Newport Harbor High and Orange Coast College

football star, died Saturday at 12:15 a.m. at Hoag Hospital due to

complications from emphysema.

Muniz, 73, was a four-year lineman for the Sailors in the late

1940s under coach Al Irwin. He was named all-conference for his play

at OCC under coach Ray Rosso.

Muniz went on to become a popular Pop Warner coach in the 1950s

and ‘60s.

Born and raised in Costa Mesa, Muniz opened a construction rental

business in the area and lived in the Newport-Mesa region the

majority of his life.

He is survived by his ex-wife Dawn; four children, Debbie

Tompkins, 49, of Washington, Kurt Muniz, 46, of Washington, Melanie

Bernhard, 45, of Las Vegas and Pam Kletke, 48, of Newport Beach; 10

grandchildren, Betina Martin, Danny Tompkins, Krista Ollis, Vincent

Curtis, Brian Kletke, Matthew Curtis, Danielle Muniz, Brandy Curtis,

Kurt Muniz Jr. and Mario Muniz; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family is holding a rosary service at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at

St. Joachim Catholic Church, 1964 Orange Ave., Costa Mesa, and

directly following, a party for anyone who knew Muniz, at Zubie’s

Chicken Coop restaurant, 414 Old Newport Blvd., Newport Beach.