Miguel Posada's Obituary
Miguel Posada
1942 – 2026
Miguel Payan Posada, 83, Oakland, CA joined his heavenly father on January 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the youngest of 5, born on July 12, 1942, in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Rosalio and Rosalia Posada. He was 15 when he experienced love at first sight after seeing who would become his wife and mother of his 4 children working in a shoe store. He approached her to share that he would marry her one day. She thought he was crazy, but shortly after began dating. He kept his promise of marriage and met with her parents to ask for her hand in marriage before leaving for Oakland, CA at 17 to attend school on a student visa to learn English. During his time in Oakland, his dad had him join the laborer's union, Local 304, where he was a proud member until the time of his passing.
He returned to Chihuahua to marry the love of his life as he said he would, and they returned together to make a life in Oakland, CA, making his career with Gallagher and Burke working at the Quarry for many years and knew the history of almost every street in Oakland.
He carried his determination and passion in all aspects of his life with his music, work, sobriety, sports, and family. He was a musician in his own right and member of the Banda de Guerra Mexican Organization, where he played the snare drum in the first Fiesta de Moraga parade in the Moraga and Rheem Shopping Center in 1971. He taught himself to play every instrument he touched from the guitar, harmonica, violin, and many more and he could sing. He and Mercedes made a great duet singing at family gatherings where he would also show off his love for dancing. He was truly the life of the party. He was also involved in many sports leagues and always shared that he was almost the Champion Bowler of the world if it wasn’t for 1 pin ruining his perfect game.
Sobriety was also a huge part of his life, leading him to become a counselor for M.A.T.A, and a sponsor for many individuals who became good friends. He carried his anniversary chips with pride displaying all of them on his key ring. His love for all beings also included animals. He opened his doors to anyone who needed a safe place to sleep and rescued many injured and lost animals, nursing them back to health, almost all became pets. The pigeon who had a popcorn stuck in its throat and removed with tweezers is the only one that left. He had a heart of gold, and everyone became family.
He is survived by his son and three daughters, Miguel (Gina), Patricia, Blanca (Ron), and Arline, grandchildren Rachel, Aiden, Ava, Amanda, Alexis, Miranda, Lorena, Patty, Bianca, Mia, Liliana, Carlos, Elias and great-granddaughters, Leilani, Maggie and Aniyah.
He will forever be our champion and live in our hearts; we take comfort knowing he is reunited with the love of his life.
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