On June 14, 2025, Patricio M. Muñoz, beloved father, father-in-law and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home in Monmouth Beach.
Patricio was born Sept. 24, 1935, in Latacunga, Ecuador. His parents were Blanca Muñoz Custode and Leovigildo Muñoz. He was the sixth of seven children. In 1960, Patricio met the love of his life, Maria Teresa Troncoso, through mutual friends. They were married Aug. 11, 1962. They had three children: Fabrizio Anthony, Roland Mauricio and Lynda Graciela. They were married for almost 60 joyous years before Maria’s passing in 2021.
Patricio came to the United States from Ecuador in 1968 to start a new life for his family, and so Maria could be close to her sisters and brother, who had emigrated to the U.S. some years earlier. Patricio bravely went to the United States, leaving his new family safely behind in Ecuador as he sought employment opportunities. He did not yet speak English.
Patricio had earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering in Ecuador before coming to the U.S. Not only did he quickly obtain work in his profession, but he learned English as well. Patricio then eagerly brought his wife and three children to join him in New York City.
Patricio went on to earn a professional engineering license and started his own company in 1977. It started with two employees. Over time, he created a legacy with Muñoz Engineering, which currently employs approximately 130 people. Muñoz Engineering and Manhattan Surveying, both companies he owned, have participated in projects throughout the New York metropolitan area, including work on Citi Field, Barclays Arena, Moynihan Train Station, all three major New York City airports, as well as major infrastructure projects.
Patricio was highly admired yet always remained extremely humble, in spite of his many accomplishments and awards. Muñoz Engineering recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and has had an everlasting impact on one of the most iconic skylines and cities in the world.
In his early years, Patricio loved playing tennis, swimming and physical fitness. Patricio and Maria enjoyed traveling and visiting the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Patricio was a fan of Manchester City’s soccer team, the New York Jets and Giants, and the Amazin’ New York Mets. A voracious reader, Patricio enjoyed philosophy, poetry and novels from Cervantes to modern authors. He also passed along his love of classical music to his children. In his final days, he requested that Puccini be played at his bedside.
Patricio had an appreciation for the wonders of the world around him. It was infectious. His gentle strength, humility and easy laughter made everyone around him feel like they were the most important person to him, and they were.
Patricio was predeceased by his beloved wife Maria T. Muñoz and his 16-year-old grandson Alexander Muñoz. He is survived by his three children: Fabrizio Muñoz and his wife Laura; Roland Muñoz; and Lynda Rogal and her husband Daniel. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Raymond, William, Jasper and Melody.
Visitation and a funeral service were held June 22. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity created in his grandson’s cherished memory, which supports the needs of pediatric cancer patients and research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at chop.donordrive.com.
The article originally appeared in the July 3 – 10, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
