December 22, 1930–July 29, 2020
Manny Chagollan, 89, of Huntington Beach, passed on July 29 from COVID pneumonia. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancee Chagollan, his daughter Samantha Chagollan and her husband, Matthew Pahuta, his brothers Steve Chagollan and George Chagollan, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Manny was born in Los Angeles to Manuel and Aurora Chagollan, the middle child of three boys. In 1944, the family moved to Whittier, where Manny graduated from Whittier High School. The family often traveled back to Mexico to visit Aurora’s home town, San Javier.
He enlisted in the Air Force and was sent to Japan during the Korean War, where he worked in Communications. Throughout his career, he had many jobs, from insurance sales and real estate agent to vice president of a sportswear corporation and the personnel manager at window covering company. No matter the job, Manny’s skillful way of managing and working with people made him a success.
Manny and Nancee started dating in 1956 when Manny’s brother married Nancee’s sister. They married in Whittier in 1963, found an apartment in Los Feliz, and by 1967, moved into their brand-new home in Huntington Beach.
When Samantha was born in 1973, Manny became a proud father. There wasn’t a recital or performance he missed, and he worked incredibly hard to ensure that Nancee and Samantha had everything they could possibly want.
In 1990, Manny and Nancee opened their own art and gift shop, Art Waves, where they curated a collection of unusual art and unique gift items and helped countless students discover a love of art and ceramics.
Manny was a lifelong Dodger fan, having followed the team from the days long before Chavez Ravine, when he took on a paper route to buy tickets to the Hollywood Stars games. He also loved UCLA Bruin Football, and was a devoted fan of the Lakers.
He was a lover of all music, from classical to opera and swing to rock and roll, but he was especially moved by jazz. From Cal Tjader and Chet Baker to Miles Davis and Shorty Rogers, he was a true jazz aficionado. He was also a fan of cinema, with an uncanny memory for the artists who created his favorite films. He was always artistic and enjoyed creating ceramic pots, sculptures, and jewelry.
Manny will be remembered for his charming smile, his incredible stories, and his genuine interest in making people laugh. He was the best dancer on the floor at any party, the first one to compliment you on an excellent meal, and could start up a conversation with anyone in the room.
His absence will be felt not just by those who loved him so dearly, but by those he affected in small and tremendous ways throughout his 89 joyful years.
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