Monmouth Beach resident Patricio Munoz passed away on June 14 at home. He was 89.
A “beloved father, father-in-law, and grandfather,” Patricio was born on Sept. 24, 1935 in Latacunga, Ecuador. His parents were Blanca Muñoz Custode and Leovigildo Muñoz. He was the sixth of seven children. In 1960, Patricio met the love of his life, Maria Teresa Troncoso through mutual friends. They were married on Aug. 11, 1962. They had three children: Fabrizio Anthony, Roland Mauricio, and Lynda Graciela. They were married for almost 60 years, before Maria’s passing in 2021.
“Patricio had an appreciation for the wonders of the world around him. It was infectious. His gentle strength, humility, and easy laughter made everyone around him feel like they were the most important person to him, and they were.
Loved ones of Patricio Munoz in his obituary
“Patricio came to the United States from Ecuador in 1968 to start a new life for his family, and so Maria could be close to her sisters and brother who emigrated to the U.S. some years earlier. Patricio bravely left for the United States and kept his new family safely behind in Ecuador as he sought employment opportunities. He did not yet speak English. Patricio had earned his bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in civil engineering in Ecuador before coming to the states. Not only did he quickly obtain work in his profession, but he learned English as well.
“Patricio, then eagerly, brought his wife and three children to join him in New York City. Patricio went on to earn his P.E., a professional engineering license, and started his own company in 1977. It started with two employees. In time, he created a legacy, Muñoz Engineering, which currently employs approximately 130 people. Muñoz Engineering & Manhattan Surveying, both companies he owned, have participated in projects throughout the New York metropolitan area, including work on Citi Field, Barclays Arena, Moynihan Train Station, all three major NYC airports as well as major infrastructure projects.
“Patricio was highly admired but always remained extremely humble in spite of his many accomplishments and awards in his field and his business. Muñoz Engineering recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and has had an everlasting impact on one of the most iconic skylines and cities in the world.
“In his early years, Patricio loved playing tennis, swimming, and physical fitness. Patricio and Maria enjoyed traveling and visiting the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Patricio was a fan of Manchester City’s soccer team, the NY Jets & Giants, and the Amazin’ NY Mets. A voracious reader, Patricio enjoyed philosophy, poetry, and novels from Cervantes to modern authors. He also passed along his love of classical music to his children. In his final days, he requested that Puccini be played at his bedside.”
Patricio was predeceased by: his beloved wife, Maria T. Muñoz; and his 16-year-old grandson, Alexander Muñoz.
He is survived by: his three children, Fabrizio Muñoz and his wife, Laura, Roland Muñoz, and Lynda Rogal and her husband, Daniel; and his grandchildren, Raymond, William, Jasper, and Melody.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, from noon to 4 p.m.. A funeral service will be held at 3. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity created in his grandson’s cherished memory, which supports the needs of pediatric cancer patients and research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: https://chop.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.personalCampaign&participantID=140089
— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home
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