Family Remembers Louis Moreno for Kindness, Big Heart

The first thing Lisa Moreno noticed during a recent sonogram was that her child has a big heart.

"That's all we could see for the most part," she said. "Just a big heart beating."

That big heart beating inside Moreno, who is two months into her pregnancy, reminds family of the baby's father, Louis Moreno, who was found dead earlier this month on Interstate 580.

"Louis had a kind, big heart," said his mother, Betty Moreno. "Everybody loved him."

Police continue to investigate his death, but Moreno appears to have killed himself by intentionally .

The news shocked family and friends.

Moreno, 41, played on Granada High School's baseball, football and soccer teams and graduated in 1988.

His popularity was evident during his funeral services on Feb. 11. Family members said at least 400 people attended to celebrate his life.

"It was beautiful. It was like a wedding," Betty Moreno said. "I want to thank everyone that was there for us and who have sent their condolences."

After high school, Moreno attended Chabot College in Hayward for two years before transferring to Sacramento State University to study criminal justice.

It was his dream to become a California Highway Patrol officer or work for law enforcement, his mother said.

Moreno had worked in construction operating heavy machinery, said his wife, Lisa, and his last job was for a contractor building at the .

There, he met then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger during a lab visit.

"The first thing he did was challenge Arnold to an arm-wrestling match," Lisa Moreno said. "That's just how he was. He was real humorous."

Family members said they will always remember Louis for his kindness.

"He was an extremely gentle man. There was nothing angry about him," his mother said. "He was just gentle. He liked peace."

Rolando Moreno said his brother's children looked up to their dad.

"I lost my best friend and my brother all in one moment," he said. "I love him with all my heart."

In addition to his wife, who lives in Livermore, Moreno is survived by his children, Lani, Louis Jr., Luke, Levi and another on the way; his mother and brother, both of Livermore; his father, Lino Moreno of Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

An Oakland church has set up a fund in Moreno's name to help his children. Donations can be sent to Shiloh Church, "in care of the Moreno children," 3295 School St., Oakland, 94602.