The City of Monterey Park is Saddened to Announce the Passing of Fred Sornoso
The City of Monterey Park is saddened to announce the passing of former City Council Member, Fred Sornoso.

Ron Bow, City Manager, said, “it is with sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of former Council Member, community member, friend, and colleague, Fred Sornoso, who passed away today at approximately 12:07 a.m. surrounded by his family.”

Fred Sornoso was sworn in as a Council Member serving District 3 on April 1, 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A little over two years later, health concerns arose and his bout with cancer returned. Fred expressed his mixed emotions about having to step away from serving his beloved community and decided to submit a letter of resignation, officially resigning from his post as the Mayor Pro Tem of Monterey Park as of April 14, 2022. This day was specifically selected because it was Opening Day for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fred adored the Los Angeles Dodgers just as much as the Monterey Park community.

While on City Council, Fred shared that he was proud of the work that he and his fellow colleagues achieved. “He believed there has not been any City Council in the history of Monterey Park that achieved as much as they did while facing the COVID-19 Pandemic and undertaking unprecedented action to protect and preserve the health and safety of the Monterey Park community,” commented City Manager, Ron Bow.

The Monterey Park community will remember Fred for his exceptional public service during his tenure on the City Council. Fred championed many accomplishments to improve the quality of life for all community members, including reestablishing community clean-up events to keep Monterey Park a desirable place to live, work and play; encouraged residents to report issues such as graffiti and abandoned shopping carts to improve the aesthetics of the community; supported family excursions to the Los Angeles Dodgers games to promote community engagement and established the MLB Junior Home Run Derby for youth to participate in a free and friendly baseball competition; supported wellness programs and the purchase of fitness equipment to provide accessible opportunities for community members to stay healthy and active; volunteered for local organizations exhibiting community spirit and civic engagement; and supported the historical preservation for future generations to learn about the rich culture and history of the Monterey Park community.

City Manager Bow added, “most importantly, Fred fostered friendship, goodwill, and being a good neighbor to promote cooperation and community collaboration and I will never forget when Fred was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem, he said, ‘just call me MPT!’ We will remember Fred for his sense of humor, kindness, energy, and graciousness, which enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know and work with him.”

Today and always, we remember Fred for his unwavering commitment, willingness, and ability to understand and respond to the people of Monterey Park and for making a substantial contribution to the betterment of the City.

Please allow Fred’s family privacy during this difficult time and to grieve their loss while planning for service arrangements. On the behalf of the City Council and City staff we express our sincerest condolences to the Sornoso family.

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