Livermore Mourns Loss Of Juan Moreno: Friend To All Who Knew Him

LIVERMORE, CA — A man who was a staple in downtown Livermore has passed away. Juan Lionel Moreno died Aug. 26. He was just 38 years old.

For a decade, Livermore was Moreno's home. He lived a few blocks from downtown, and after his passing friends created a candlelight memorial in front of his residence on 7th Street.

Known as a social being who loved to meet new people, Moreno bartended and held management positions at neighborhood eateries and bars, including Casa Orozco, Sanctuary Ultra Lounge (now Rebel Libations), Beer Baron, The Venue, Strings, and Pura Vida. Several businesses — The Last Word, Pura Vida, Rebel Libations, and Beer Baron — have held events in Moreno's memory and donated the proceeds. Rebel Libations in Livermore will retire his staff shirt on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., and all proceeds during the remembrance event will go to the Moreno family.

Celebrated as someone who always enjoyed the company of friends, Moreno knew someone wherever he went. He was adored by all who met him and was famous for his magnanimous attitude and personality, quick wit, infectious smile and compassionate spirit. He was a sports enthusiast and a proud LA Dodgers fan with much passion for life.

Moreno was born Feb. 24, 1981 in Los Angeles, to Rosa and Lionel Moreno — the firstborn of the family. Although the Morenos started in Los Angeles, they moved to Northern California where Juan graduated in 1999 from Modesto's Beyer High School. He eventually moved to Livermore and attended the University of Phoenix. He graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

He is survived by his parents Rosa and Lionel Moreno, his four siblings — Yanira, Jose, Lionel and Jessica — aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

His family wants to thank everyone for all the love and support during this difficult time. "Juan Moreno will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Rest in peace."

Memorial services took place Sept. 5 and 6 near Modesto. A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family with costs.

On Sunday at 12 noon, there will be a Last Day of Prayer at Moreno's place of burial — Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, Calif.