Manuel Sanchez Figueroa

Manuel S. Figueroa entered into eternal rest on November 6, 2023. He was also affectionately known as, Manny, D, Grandpa D and Santa Claus to so many. He was born on February 26, 1944, in Tucson, Arizona to Alejandro and Rosario Figueroa. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Alex Figueroa and sister, Rosario Figueroa and three brothers-in-law.

He is survived by the love of his life, Gloria, his children Cindy (Vern) Shad, Adrian Figueroa and his grandchildren Nikolas (Mary) Shad, Kristian (Kari Havyer) Shad, and Ethan Ramirez and his great-granddaughter, Scottie Shad, his sisters, Ernestina Porras, Consuelo DeLeon, Adriana Rivera and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Manny spent his teenage years in El Paso, Texas. He served in the United States Army with assignments to Germany and Ft Polk, LA. He met Gloria on a blind date, and were married on December 10, 1966, and they settled in El Paso, Texas. Manny held many jobs before deciding that he wanted to be a teacher at Gloria’s urging. He went back to school and graduated from the University of Texas El Paso and received his bachelor's in education. He became a well-respected and renowned teacher at every school he taught. He brought Christmas to life for his students and community. One of his most memorable events was arriving as Santa by helicopter.

He had told Gloria that one day he wanted to take his family back to Germany because it was so beautiful. When the opportunity came for Gloria to transfer to Germany in 1987, they took it and moved with their children to Rhein-Main AB, Germany. He spent 20+ years with DODDS teaching at various schools around Germany where he continued his passion. He was a teacher who could reach the most challenging students. He was revered by his colleagues and the families of the students he taught. Manny continued to bring the joy of Christmas to the communities in which he taught by decorating his classroom into a Winter Wonderland and being Santa Claus and turning it into a community event. It was his most favorite time of year.

While in Germany he earned his master's in education and he would always say, “Not bad for a drop-out," and never hesitated giving credit to Gloria for her support, guidance and belief in him.

Manny and Gloria retired in Germany and returned to Texas to live. He enjoyed reading Westerns, watching Westerns, listening to music, and working out in his shed on woodworking projects. He loved to sing and dance. In their younger years, Manny and Gloria were known to be quite the dancers gliding across the dance floor with grace and ease. They volunteered at St Joseph Catholic Church – Honey Creek. He was extremely creative and funny. He never missed an opportunity to share his quick wit or a joke.

Above all, he adored his wife and loved his family. He was a man of God and was grateful for the life he was given. He was kind and generous and never failed to let people know that he appreciated them. He was a man of very humble beginnings who dropped out of high school and went on to become an amazing teacher, earn a master's degree, travel the world, and build a wonderful life for his family.

The family would like to thank those who helped care for him, especially Jessica Larrinaga, Patricia Gutierrez and The Medical Team Hospice Staff.

Per Manny’s request, a private memorial service will be held at a later date and will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.