Henry Muñoz's Obituary
Local entertainer Henry Muñoz died July 21, 2025, at his home in Dallas. He was 86. A self-taught pianist and singer, he entertained hundreds of people at weddings, personal events and local venues such as The Mansion, III Forks, and most recently Table 13, for over 65 years. He was best known for performing music from the Great American Songbook and his unique style and voice lent his own flavor to many of the songs made famous by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. He had a countless repertoire in English and Spanish and remembered all his songs without music or lyrics. He was most passionate about his Latin salsa music performed by his five-piece Salsero band.
Henry possessed an incredible natural talent. He could hear a song once and then be able to play it. He was mentored first by his father and then Jose Azcona. At age 15, Henry was working as a busboy at El Fenix in Casa Linda, Dallas. One night the piano player didn’t show so they asked Henry to fill in even though he had barely started playing. The patrons enjoyed the music so the band leader told Henry that if he learned 10 songs, he could play with the band permanently. Henry taught himself 20 songs that next day. A photo of Henry as a young piano player with the Jose Azcona band is still displayed in most El Fenix restaurants. Throughout his career, he performed at many restaurants and private events in the DFW area. He attributed his fame to his wife Gloria for allowing him to live that life and for her support. Henry regularly donated his time and talent at fundraising events for St. Ann’s School in Dallas and many other charities. Among his many accomplishments, he wrote and performed jingles for radio and television and sang in a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie An American Story.
Henry also owned and operated Henry Muñoz Signs in Dallas for over 20 years. His uniquely designed outdoor lighted and unlighted signage is displayed all over the Dallas metroplex. Henry provided the creativity for the signs, and his longtime partner Oscar Torres manufactured and installed the finished product. He remembered every sign he created and enjoyed recognizing his work when driving around town.
Henry was born November 30, 1938, in the Little Mexico on Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas, He was one of 11 children and was preceded in death by his parents and seven of his siblings. He met his wife, Gloria Montoya Muñoz, when he was 14 and was immediately smitten. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary July 1, 2025. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael Muñoz and is survived by his wife, Gloria; son Mark Muñoz; sisters Gloria Esqueda and Josephine DeLira. His five grandchildren Melody, Alexis, Gabriella, Matthew, and Anthony all Muñoz, brought him so much joy and pride and he was happiest during the times he was able to spend with them. His many nieces and nephews were also a big part of his life, and he enjoyed seeing them at the annual family reunions.
Visitation is in the Stateroom at Restland on Greenville in Dallas on Sunday, August 3 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Services are in the Restland Memorial Chapel on Monday, August 4 at 10:30 a.m.
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