Manuel was the first of 12 children born to Jessie and Jose Lira.. He was born in Brawley, California on June 19, 1930. Manuel served in the National Guard, was a barber for many years and as a self taught musician he enjoyed playing the guitar, harmonica and ukelele. He also loved to garden and has beautiful plants and flowers as a result. For years he would wake up early every day, attend church then pick up bread from local bakery and deliver it to soup kitchens who helped feed the homeless. He retired from the Milpitas School District.
Manuel's first marriage was to Frances (deceased), they had 5 children.
Manuel is survived by his beloved wife, Tillie, daughters; Terry Cunningham, Sophia Martinez, Barbara Rivera and Evelyn Lopez. (son, Ralph is deceased) He has 18 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by 8 sisters, Annie Ochoa, Nadine Homen, Esther Perez, Linda Hernandez, Josephine Sandoval, Elodee Gonzales, Stella Lira and Olivia Lira, and 3 brothers, Philip Lira, Joe Lira and Richard Lira.
We will always carry Manuel's memory in our hearts.
Funeral Services
All services will be held at Lima Mortuary and Cedar Lawn Cemetery, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, Callifornia.
Viewing will be from 12:00pm to 9:00pm, Monday, August 27, 2018. Rosary will be Monday evening at 7:00pm. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 10:00a.m.
