Mr. Emmanuel " Manny " Middleton

Emmanuel Middleton Born on Novemeber 2, 1936 in Holmesburg, Pa, a son was born to William Arthur and Lucille Cooper Middleton. Emmanuel (God is with us) – was the sixth (6th) of fourteen (14) children. Affectionately, this young man would come to be known as “Manuel” to family, “Manny” to his many friends.

Manny received his early childhood education in local area schools to include Joseph Brown School on Frankford Ave, Phila. He also attended local elementary and high schools in the Trevose and Bensalem areas. Lydia, Manny's youngest daughter said he once told her “I quit school 'cause they had recess, and I don't play”.

In 1955, Manny joined the U.S. Army and became a “Screaming Eagle”. A paratrooper of the elite 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. His second job, one he would lovingly have us as children to believe was one of his best attributes - was that of a “mess hall cook”. His total military career would span over a three (3) year period and would take him to Japan for about a year and a half of that time. Upon his arrival home in 1958, Manny accepted employment with various contractors in the area.

He would also at this time meet the love of his life and life long partner, Hilda Suggs.

She would become affectionately known as Hilda to family, and Ginny to their friends.

Ginny had recently moved to the area from NC to live with her uncle and aunt, Arthur and Mildred Mitchell. They married on October 3, 1958. This union would produce eight (8) children. Two (2) of their children Michael and Kathleen have been guardian angels throughout the years.

As time progressed, and the family continued to grow, Manny would find employment in various positions within the county. These positions would include a road laborer, a prison guard, a rehabilitation counselor, and a Deputy Sheriff to name a few. During these years, Manny also became a very influential participant on the local political scene, becoming the County Committeeman. Other civic contributions included but were not limited to his devotion to his own community when he and Ginny would establish and operate a community recreation center, a luncheonette, a small diner in the recreation center, and carrying the torch of his mother, Lucille – a small community store. These ventures afforded in some cases, a safe environment for local children and teens to socialize, eat, and play within their own community.

In 1988, Manny joined a local insurance company as a member of the security department. Later, he would join the computer department of the same company to become the Senior Quality Control Clerk for the company. For the next several years, Ginny and Manny would be employed by the same company, sometimes working together on the same projects. In the late '90's, Manny took a semi retirement from work to allow for more time to spend with his bride, and to travel a bit with her.

Manny has been a blessing to many of us, in many different ways, and now, we must allow him to move on. God has found new endeavors for our beloved and we must rejoice that our Lord has allowed us the company and presence of Manny for the time that He has.

Emmanuel is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ginny. His six children, Anita Middleton of Philadelphia; Marc of South Carolina; Brian of New Jersey; Lydia Mutch of Philadelphia; Brett of New Jersey, and Keith of Philadelphia. These six children are the parents of Manny and Ginny's 12 grandchildren – Cherise Middleton of Atlanta, Ga; Michael Anderson and Victoria Middleton of Philadelphia; the late Justin Williams, William Alston, 3rd, Stephanie and Jessica Alston of Philadelphia; Brett Jr. and Matthew Middleton of New Jersey, Courtney, Corey, and Tyler Middleton of Philadelphia. They are also survived by two (2) great grand children, Koran and Kaliyah Middleton of Atlanta, Ga. His sisters Marie Wright and family of Trenton, NJ; Virginia and her family of Bristol, Pa; Cornelia and her family of Fairless Hills, Pa; Alberta of Norristown, Pa; Patricia of Maryland, his brothers Presley and wife of Bristol, PA; and Cecil and family of Trevose, Pa.

A host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

We will miss you

Manny died on May 17, 2008 at his residence. Arrangements under the direction of Lamb Funeral Home in Huntingdon Valley, PA.