Emiliano Magaña Solorio, Sr. came to the United States with dreams of owning his own business.
The native of Purépero, Michoacán made his dream a reality when he moved to Stockton and opened El Dorado Market — known as the city’s first Mexican market and deli — on Oct. 15, 1972.
Although Emiliano retired from managing the store in 1994, his son, Hector Solorio, said he was never too far away from it.
“Even after retirement, the store was like another one of his children,” said Hector, who now co-owns and co-manages El Dorado Market alongside his sister, Graciela Solorio-Gomez. “He just took care of it so well. That’s one of the reasons why it’s been in business for 52 years.”
Leaving a legacy for south Stockton, Emiliano died on July 25 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. He was 101 years old.
In search of the American dream
Emiliano was born in Michoacán — one of the 31 states which, together with Mexico City, comprise the Federal Entities of Mexico — on July 20, 1923.