Manuel Aquino Jr, 65, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025. He was born to Manuel Sr. and Ramona (Reyes) Aquino on Good Friday in 1960. He attended Guardian Angels Grade School, then graduated from Lillis High School in 1978.
Manuel was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Lisa, and a loving father to his children, Manuel Aquino III (Therese), and Marissa Aquino. He loved and was very proud of his five grandchildren, Anthony Aquino, Adriana Aquino, Ella Aquino, Manuel Aquino IV, and Sophia Aquino. Manuel was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Oliva.
Manuel retired from Ford Motor Company after 26 years of service. His interests after retirement included spending time with family at birthday parties, holidays and attending sporting events for the grandchildren. He loved sitting around laughing and reminiscing with family. He was a jokester and loved to shoot the “malarky” with everyone, even his doctors and nurses. He was known to tease his sisters to no end and would sit and recite scenes from his favorite movies with his brother and son. He loved being from a big family and cherished his relationships with each member.
Manuel was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan all his life and a season ticket holder for 35 years. He also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and liked attending games at the stadium when he could. When not watching sports or his favorite westerns on television, he enjoyed listening to music while drinking a cold beer. He also enjoyed spoiling the family pets, Frida and Martha.
He leaves behind his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his siblings Maria Trinder (Tom), Debra Ashley (Rodney), Rachel Flores (John), Susan Moran (Jose), Steve Aquino (Bernadette), and sister-in-law Jerri Oliva, as well as an uncle, aunts, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will cherish his memory and miss his stories and jokes.
We find comfort knowing that Manuel is now resting peacefully and his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love we shared, the many laughs we had, and the memories we will cherish forever.
Manuel wished to be cremated. There will be a funeral mass held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, MO on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. with a short visitation held prior to mass starting at 9:00 a.m., offering loved ones a moment to gather and pay their respects. Interment will be at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Kansas City, KS for the immediate family. A reception will follow with details announced after mass.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
