Romeo T. Manzanares

Romeo T. “Buddy” Manzanares, age 81, of Houston passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025. Born in Bantayan Island, Philippines, and moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1975. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Tina Auza Manzanares; two children, Ralph Manzanares and Lyn (Justin) Wheeler; two grandchildren, Alexander Rodriguez & Tristan Wheeler; sister Rosario “Cherry” (Vicente) Espina; and many nieces and nephews.

He attended the Cebu Institute of Technology where he received his college degree in mechanical engineering. As a young graduate, he worked at La Tondeña Distillers, Inc. Later in life he worked for one of the largest engineering companies in Texas, Brown & Root Industrial Services. He applied his knowledge of engineering to his daily life, considered by his family and friends a jack of all trades. He was a productive individual and kept himself busy repairing computers, appliances, and maintaining the family vehicles.

Growing up, Buddy was well-behaved and had a quiet demeanor. Among friends, he came across as a silent person with a strong character. He followed all the famous musicians of his time and had an eclectic taste in music. He was highly favored by his grandfather. He was able to carry that love forward to his own grandchildren, Alex and Tristan, and greatly enjoyed the quality time spent with them. He documented those early childhood years through countless photographs and videos. He loved to capture the moment with his professional camera, especially during special holidays and family vacations. He was inspired by international food and travel blogs but loved Filipino cuisine most of all. He was also a movie buff and watched many historical films and documentaries.

Buddy was a devoted family man who placed the welfare of his wife and children before his own. He was deeply loved by his family in the Philippines as well. He was thought of as someone who always went out of his way to make his loved ones happy. Buddy was a great father and husband, devoted son, and wonderful brother. In his silent care, he always made his family feel loved. Although he was a man of few words, he was the epitome of stoicism. Buddy will be remembered as a man of great wisdom, utmost integrity, and extreme generosity to all those dear to him. We are grateful to have shared many wonderful and joyful memories with him.

A funeral mass for Romeo will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9900 Stella Link Road, Houston TX, 77025 on Saturday, June 28th at 11:00 a.m. The reception is to follow immediately after in the parish hall (Prefontaine Hall).