Thomas Gallegos was born on September 21, 1936, in Pleasanton, Texas, and passed away on December 15, 2025 surrounded by his family who loved him dearly.
Thomas was married to the love of his life, Mary, for 67 years. Together they built a strong and loving family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Manuela Gallegos; his father, Manuel Gallegos; and his stepmother, Ruth Gallegos, who lovingly raised him since he was 5 years old.
He is survived by his children: Tom Gallegos Jr. (wife Dolores), Margaret Elizondo (husband Pete), Rita Gallegos, Robert Gallegos, and Arthur Gallegos. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren; Michael, Christopher, Joseph, Tiffany, Amanda, Thomas III, and Anthony and 11 great-grandchildren: Alexis, Jayden, Peyton, Leighton, Lundy, Mila, Anthony Jr., Deacon, Eli, Thomas "T-4" and Ember.
The second oldest of 14 children, Thomas is survived by his sisters Mela, Emily, Linda, Lucinda, and Christina and two brothers Homer and Lewis. He was preceded in death by his siblings Fred, Joe, Oscar, Juan, Alice, Weitchea, and Antonia.
Thomas proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged after three years of service. He was a devoted member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and served with the Knights of Columbus. He retired after 32 years of dedicated employment at Sharpe Army Depot in Lathrop. An avid fisherman, Thomas was a member of the Bass and Buddies, a fishing club of friends who shared a love of fishing. His favorite fishing spot was the Albion coast near Fort Bragg. He once owned a bait and tackle shop on Main Street called Tom and Bob's Bait and Tackle and operated it for over five years. He also owned Tom's Lawn Service, which he served the community and formed many lasting friendships.
Thomas loved the outdoors, camping and fishing and passed that love on to his family. He enjoyed barbecuing, feeding neighborhood children, and making weekend breakfasts for his family, it was one of his greatest joys. He was a patient, easy-going man with a kind heart, a wonderful father figure, and someone who truly loved people.
His family would always tell him, "Dad, you're the most handsome man in Manteca." This would always put a big smile on his face. Thomas loved listening to music. His favorite singer was Freddy Fender. He was proud to be born in Texas; that's where his favorite singer was from also. He would say, "We're Tijuana's, and don't mess with Texas." We will definitely miss hearing Dad's famous sayings. When the music started, Thomas was up dancing immediately. Now he's dancing in Heaven. Since his mother, Manuela, his biological mother, passed away when Thomas was 2 years old, he will finally be reunited with his mother in Heaven. This gives us all comfort knowing she will greet him with open arms. His nickname everyone would call him was the Silver Fox. Rest in peace, Silver Fox, until we meet again.
P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Gallegos family. A Visitation Thursday, January 8, 2026 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Rosary will follow at 6:00 p.m. both at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road Manteca, CA 95337. Mass Friday, January 9, 2026 11:00 a.m. St. Anthony 's Catholic Church, 505 E. North St. Manteca, CA 95336. Burial will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, 17871 S. Carrolton Rd., Escalon, Ca. For direct condolences or to watch the Rosary/Vigil live visit www.plfryandson.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, January 3, 2026
