It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Louis Manuel Iglesias on February 2, 2025.

Born on December 27, 1953, to Luis and Leonor Iglesias in Manhattan, New York. Lou was the youngest of three children, lovingly doted on by his two older sisters, Maria and Virginia.

Lou fondly recalled his childhood in New York City, telling stories of playing in the streets with his friends, exploring nearby New Jersey with his boy scout troop and spending vacations visiting family in Pennsylvania.

After graduating from Bishop Dubois High School, Lou headed west to explore California in 1972. While he always considered himself a New Yorker, California won his heart and became home. After a quick stint with the California State Parks (he had great stories of working at Hurst Castle), Lou went to work for the Citrus Heights fire department and a career fireman was born. In 1977 Lou took a job with CDF (now CalFire) in the San Benito-Monterey Unit before transferring to the Humboldt Del Norte Unit where he spent most of his 30-year career before retiring as a Captain in May of 2007.

Lou took great pride in being a fireman and in being a part of the brotherhood of firemen. He was a friend to all, as well as a mentor and confidant to many. He enjoyed teaching and passing on his knowledge and was always there to lend a helping hand. He is remembered by many for his infectious laugh, bright smile, and positive outlook.

Deeply involved in his community, Lou had the heart of a civil servant and spent most of his adult life volunteering for local fire departments and municipal organizations, assisting with various fundraisers and offering his help and guidance whenever he could. His time as Chief with the Weott VFD was incredibly meaningful to him, and he held dear the friendships he had with so many members of his community.

Lou liked to joke that it was his lot in life to be surrounded by beautiful women as he was the ultimate girl dad, helping to raise four daughters. He brought immense love and endless joy to our childhoods. Road trips, camping adventures, trips to New York, concerts, you name it! He was always up for a good time while simultaneously instilling kindness, decency and resilience in us. There wasn’t anything we couldn’t do or become, he truly made us believe the stars were within reach. When the grandchildren came along, Lou was absolutely overjoyed. Papa Lou was so very proud of his grandkids, loved them immensely, and would tell anyone who listened all about them and their most recent accomplishments. He was always there with a treat or two (or three!) and a silly story to share.

Upon retiring from CalFire in 2007, Lou and his wife of 30 years, Claudia, set out on many adventures and were fortunate to travel extensively in Europe, visit Vancouver Canada, and continue to explore the States. Lou’s infectious personality and zest for life was most evident when traveling – he made friends wherever he went regardless of language or cultural barriers. Lou would come home with wonderful stories of his new friends, the places he saw, the food he ate, and had hundreds of pictures to share with us. He saw beauty in just about everything and never let his appreciation for life go unnoticed.

Lou was proceeded in death by his father Luis, his mother Leonor and his nephew Joseph Unger. He is survived by his wife, Claudia, daughters Vanessa Tritchler (Jobey), Elisabeth Kepke (Ryan), Charity Marcelli (Mike), Missy Ward (Leonard), a total of 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, as well as sisters Maria Iglesias and Virginia Unger, and nephew Charles Unger (Paula).

During his life, Lou was fortunate enough to surround himself with an honorable group of friends whom he considered family, many of which were firemen as well. So many of you came and spent time reminiscing with him during his last few days earthside. The family would like to thank you, your friendship and love is greatly appreciated.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions can be made in Lou’s honor to the California Firefighters Benevolent Fund - California Fire Foundation 1780 Creekside Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833 or online at cafirefoundation.org.