Ezequiel E. Enriquez

Ezequiel was born on October 13, 1930, in Mexico City to his parents Alfredo and Guadalupe Enriquez. In his 20’s, he travelled often to southern California to work in the restaurant and cannery industries. It was here that he discovered his special rotisserie recipe. He eventually opened several chicken rotisserie businesses in Mexico City, which became the main Enriquez family business.

He met his future wife Beatriz N. in 1965 in Mexico City. They were married in Monterrey, Mexico on April 21, 1968. That same day, they traveled to the Los Angeles area, then soon settled in Watsonville California, where his sister Dolores lived. They obtained their American citizenship and Ezequiel continued working in the cannery industry until his retirement.

Ezequiel loved to cook and was very good at it. Some of his favorites were his Thanksgiving turkeys and famous stuffing, fried mushrooms, and barbeques. He would bake his comforting “pink bread” in the evenings, which we all loved. He was known for always offering food to those who visited our home and would often put “too much” food on your plate.

The radio was always on during the day, playing musica ranchera, while he worked around the house or sat relaxing in his chair, with Beatriz constantly asking him to turn down the volume. He had a good sense of humor. He loved the beach, traveling to Mexico, and many family holidays were spent at the local Santa Cruz beaches and feeding the ducks at San Lorenzo park.

Like so many immigrant families, he and his wife sacrificed and worked hard for decades to improve the family’s quality of life and provide every possible opportunity for their children. Most of all, Ezequiel dedicated his life to his wife Beatriz and loved her dearly.

He is survived by his wife Beatriz and children: Jorge Ezequiel (Rosa) Enriquez, Diana (Victor) Gutierrez, Edwardo Omar (Corina) Enriquez, Alfredo Enriquez (De Mexico). His brothers Antonio and Juan; and sisters Amparo and Lupe. His grandchildren Adrian, Josiah, Jessica, Nico, Emma B., Alexis and Jaelynn.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Alfredo, Roberto, Miguel and his sister Dolores.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 3-9 PM for all with a rosary at 7 PM at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel located on 609 Main St., Watsonville. Mass will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Patrick’s Church in Watsonville. Burial will follow afterwards at Valley Public Cemetery located on 2445 East Lake Ave., Watsonville.

Donations: Please consider donations to St. Patrick’s Church located on 721 Main St., Watsonville, CA 95076.