Former LP planning commissioner dies

City officials out of La Puente have released this:

Manuel Dueñes, a resident of La Puente for nearly 50 years and a long-time city employee and member of the Planning Commission, died last Wednesday (Feb. 6) at the age of 81 following a lengthy illness.
“Manuel Dueñes exemplified the finest tradition of public volunteerism and service,” said Gregg Yamachika,

La Puente Assistant City Manager and former Community Development Director. “He touched the lives of many people in the community throughout the years and will be genuinely missed.”
Dueñes served as an employee of the city’s maintenance department from 1965 to 1988 and served on the city’s Planning Commission from 1992 to 2001.

An Army veteran who served in both World War II and the Korean War, he served the community in many other capacities through the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1944, American Legion Post 75, and the Boy Scouts of America.
He also volunteered many hours at the La Puente Senior Center, Nelson Elementary School and at numerous other community facilities and events.

Dueñes is survived by his wife Elisa, three children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Private memorial services were pending.