Michael Bujosa

Mike lived a life filled with love for family and friends and, in his later years, a deep love for Christ. His life was marked by service to others, a generous spirit, and a passion for bringing people together. He loved life and cherished social gatherings, always seizing the day while enjoying adventures at the river, boating, and making memories with family and friends.

Mike was born on February 26, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, to Jose and Martha (Leon) Bujosa. He was affectionately nicknamed "Peewee" by his grandfather, Miguel Leon, after Brooklyn Dodgers baseball player Pee Wee Reese. He grew up on Long Island and attended Thomas A. Edison Vocational High School, where he studied automotive mechanics. He graduated in 1960.

After high school, Mike married his childhood sweetheart, Cynthia Lopez, on September 15, 1961. Their first child, Martha, was born in 1962. Shortly thereafter, they moved to California and settled in Pico Rivera in a home given to them by Mike's father, Jose. Their son, Michael, was born in 1965, followed by daughter Nadine in 1967. In 1973, Mike moved his family to Monterey Park, where they continued building their lives together.

Mike's early career as a mechanic spanned both New York and California. He worked for Economy Chevrolet and performed radiator repairs on the side. Later, together with his business partner, he operated several Texaco gas stations and co-owned an automotive repair shop known as "Mike and Paul's Service Center."

Mike's dedication to service extended beyond his profession. During the 1970s, he became actively involved with the Kiwanis Club in Monterey Park, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening communities. He eventually served as President of the club, reflecting his commitment to leadership and community service.

In the early 1980s, Mike began a new chapter in his career, specializing in transmission repair for the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD), later known as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Soon afterward, he became a Shop Steward representing more than 300 mechanics through the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1277. Through hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks, serving on the Executive Board, then as Treasurer, and eventually as President of the union.

As President, Mike successfully negotiated numerous labor contracts and worked tirelessly on behalf of union members. Among his most notable achievements was helping secure healthcare benefits during the 1994 strike. He retired from MTA after 26 years of service. Mike took great pride in the many members of his family who were Teamsters and often credited his passion for organized labor to his father, whose involvement with the Maritime Union inspired him from an early age.

In 2000, Mike married Lucy Gratciola. Together they made their home in Rosemead and later Diamond Bar, where they shared many happy years until Lucy's passing in 2008.

Mike's kindness, strength, generosity, and love touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and he entered peacefully into God's care.

Mike is survived by his brother, Robert Bujosa; the mother of his children, Cynthia Bujosa; daughter Martha Bujosa and her fiancé, Ralph Lopez Blanco; son Michael Bujosa; daughter Nadine Newrones and son-in-law Scott Newrones; grandchildren Jacqueline Palone and her husband, Randy Korgan, Connor Newrones, and Claire Newrones; great-grandchildren Gabriel Brown, Ania Velazquez, Robert Carrasco, Elijah Carrasco, Korie Gelumbus, Kassandra Kleitz, Karlie Korgan, Brayden Korgan, and Brando Korgan; great-great-grandchildren Luna Gelumbus, Sebastian Velazquez, Nevaeh Carrasco, Estella Kleitz, and Juliette Velazquez; nephew Bobby Bujosa; as well as many cousins and countless friends who became family.