Montevista | Uvaldo Palomares

Dr. Uvaldo H. Palomares. If Humanist were a person then Dr. Uvaldo Palomares was and is that.

Dr. Uvaldo Hill Palomares, 88, of Livermore, CA, was peacefully called by our Lord on September 11, 2025. Dr. Palomares was born in Indo, CA, on November 18, 1936, to Hilario Palomares and Natalia Hill and lived a life of noteworthy accomplishments. The son of farm workers, he received a
full-ride basketball scholarship from Chapman College in Orange, CA and graduated at the age of 23, all the while being enlisted in the National Guard. He was chosen as Alumni of the 10th Year at Chapman College. In 1964, he earned a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology from San Diego State College, and two years later, he earned his Doctorate in Education from the
University of California, USC. His inspiration to pursue higher education was his mother, Natalia. She wanted Uvaldo to become a teacher. He became a teacher and then a college professor.

Dr. Palomares authored, co-authored and published several books and Curriculum, including Magic Circle – an elementary school teacher’s curriculum to improve communication with, and understanding of their students’ emotional well-being. He was known for magnetic presence and
shared his program throughout the country as a Motivational Speaker, Keynote Speaker and Trainer. Many of his books were published in Spanish, French, Danish and Hebrew. In 1974, the publication Early Years bestowed the title of “The Magic Circle Man” on Dr. Palomares, as he went throughout the country, Mexico and Canada making MAGIC.

An owner of two businesses, Dr. Palomares was highly regarded by private and governmental agencies, such as Security Pacific National Bank and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as a teacher and facilitator of motivational and organizational skills. He trained emerging corporate Hispanic professionals on building confidence to grow and succeed
in their careers and did extensive research for the U.S. Civil Rights Commission on issues affecting Latinos in the United States. Recognized as an expert on Chicano-Latino concerns he was invited to speak before the U.S. Senate committee to support funding for “Ethnic Minority
Groups”. He was a champion for Migrant Education and assisted California School Districts in the counties of Santa Clara, Fresno, and Monterey (Salinas Valley), in addition to many Districts in the state of Texas. While in Texas, he also worked with and helped guide incarcerated youth in the Juvenile Justice System, as he believed everyone has promise. As his Sister commented “My Brother has a Purpose”.

The last 10 years of his career, Dr. Palomares provided Mental Health Services to over 3,000 predominantly Spanish-speaking families with Autistic children. Dr. Palomares always believed he had a Purpose, and his purpose was the well-being of children and the less fortunate.

Dr. Palomares is survived by Raquel Gonzales Palomares, his wife of 39 years, sons Ricardo J. Palomares of San Diego, Daniel M. Palomares of Denmark and Uvaldo A. Palomares of Chicago, along with his sister Linda, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and many other family and friends.

If Humanist were a person then Dr. Uvaldo Palomares was and is that.