On July 6, 2020 his Beautiful Gentle Spirit was returned to God as his purpose on this Earth was served. It is with great sorrow that he has left the ones who loved him most. He was truly Blessed as we had the honor of calling him Son, Brother, Shipmate, Husband, Father, Uncle and Grandpa. He was born in humble beginnings at US Naval Air Station Quonset Point, North Kingston, Rhode Island on 03 March 1967 at 0602 brought into this world by Manuel and Olga Leija. He grew up loving Sports from his father and using his hands to build Model ships and planes from his mother. Manuel was Military oriented and in high school started his long road to that Goal in NJROTC before he graduated from Foy H Moody HS 1985 and enlisted in United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Hermitage LSD-34 after which he was Honorably discharged into the US Naval Reserve Unit in his Home town of Corpus Christi, Tx. He served and mobilized to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm/Desert shield and Iraqi Freedom. He earned many Award and distinguished Commendations for his service. He was Proud and Honored to have Served his Country well and Retired Honorably December 10, 2005. He continued his Service as a Civilian working with CCAD. He enjoyed watching his own Sons, nephews and niece's Life Accomplishment's. He watched over us his family, even as Adults, making sure they had what they needed, always making sure they knew we were Loved. His Love of Family was constant, he worked hard and was known for his skills and never knew a stranger he didn’t like or call Friend. He was Devoted to his Family and his wife Beatrice Y. Leija which he married on 17 July 1990 and loved and cherished his Sons Robert, Zac, Cody, Jacob and Brendan, but the love and apple of his eyes was his only Grandson Dom, which carried his very soul the moment he met him. Manuel will always be remembered for his Loving quiet nature and his Unconditional love and Devotion to his Family and Yes, He was like No other Man, but he was a Great Man to his Family in which he will always be remembered by the Beautiful Memories and Lessons he Instilled and Impressed in Us All, His FAMILY. There is No Great in Man that did not Believe in GOD, and GOD granted unto him his Blessing of FAMILY and A Great Man Sees and Nourishes those Blessing to become Great Men in the Eyes of GOD. He will never be forgotten as he is survived by his wife Beatrice Leija and Wonderful Blessings that are his Sons: Robert Yrlas II(Alexandra), Anthony Zaccaria Leija (Desiree), Cody Jeramiah Leija, Jacob Daniel Leija and Brendan Ryan Leija, but most of his joy was the birth of his very 1st Grandson Dominick Michael Yrlas. He is also survived by his Brother Michael Shane Leija and Sisters Leslie Ann Gamez and Michelle Lynn Leija, along with several Nephews, Nieces and Great Nephews and Nieces. He has been led unto God by his two Infant Sons, Dominico and Manuel Leija IV, by his Parents Manuel and Olga Leija, brothers Mark Aaron and Travis Leija that have gone before him. Visitation information He has the Distinguished Honor to be buried and Honored Fully by the United States Military. The American Flag, placed on his casket is the Symbol of Our Father’s Love for God, Country and the United States Navy. “Fair Winds and Following Seas Brother”.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 10:00 AM with burial to follow.
