Manuel Ruiz Abril

January 10, 1932 - April 23, 2021 

Manuel R. Abril 89, loving father and grandfather and lifelong resident of Colton, passed away
April 23 at home of congestive heart failure. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank &
Carmen Abril, his brothers Frank and Arnold Abril and wife Frances Abril. He is survived by his
five children; Manuel (Mooch) Abril, April Abril, Stephanie Gonzales, Ernest (Odie) Abril and
Franses Homsi, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
He was a graduate of Colton High School class of 1951. After high school he signed and
played professional baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization. First with the
Kansas-Oklahoma Missouri League, his career interrupted and after one year was called to
duty. He served 2 years with the US Army in The Korean War. After the war he resumed his
baseball career and played 2-3 more years with Texas League in Mexico. When he returned
home he married and raised a family. He coached baseball for many years. First with the
Catholic Youth Baseball League for his eldest son and then at Ken Hubbs Little League for his
youngest son. Dad touched many lives.
He retired from Smith Packing House in Colton and then worked for City of Colton Community
Services for 25 years. First in the Water Department and the Parks and Recreation Department.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish. He will be laid to rest on May 20, 2021.
Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Colton, rosary 10:30am and Mass to
follow at 11;00am, interment at Hermosa Cemetery in Colton.