Manuel Francisco Ridao

He is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Beatrice Alvarez. His four daughters and their families will miss his sense of humor: Betty Keller and John, Mequon, WI; Maria Wallis and Marvin, Whitefish Bay, WI; Mercedes Ridao, Boston, MA;Diana Page and Christopher, Alexandria, VA. He was cherished by his 10 grandchildren: Jennifer Keller (deceased), Jonathan Keller and fiance Lauren, Anthony Wallis and wife Maggie, Alexander Wallis, Andrew Wallis, Lauren Makholm and husband Bill, Karla Makholm and fiance Dennis, Daniel Makholm, Henry Page and Caroline Page. We will remember his genuine pleasure of his one great-grandchild, A. Bennett Wallis of Anthony and Maggie.

He was born Manuel Francisco Luis Ridao Francesch in Barranquilla, Colombia on December 5th,1928 to Rafael Ridao and Manuela Francesch (Ridao). He was named after his mother. The second of four children, he was brother to Rafael Ridao (deceased), Paco Ridao (deceased) and Margarita Ridao Borda.

As a graduate of the Colegio Americano for boys, he studied various subjects, of which geography and English were his favorites. After school he used to enjoy working in his father’s perfume shop. He participated in many sports:cycling, soccer and baseball. Manuel valued family, hard work and education. He worked in several continents, countries and states with airlines,manufacturers and was an entrepreneur of his own dairy business.

An avid watcher of classic films, his favorites included Singing in the Rain, Blood and Sand and the Bob Hope Road movies. Manuel enjoyed recreational fishing in his boat "Pochola', especially with his brother-in-law Carlos. He vacationed on the coast of Colombia at the Puerto Colombia beach throughout his lifetime. Another interest of Manuel’s was music. He listened to American songs from Frank Sinatra and enjoyed Latin rhythms. He, his friends and brothers formed a musical group called Ritmos Cubanos. This group played at various parties where he would eventually meet the love of his life, Beatrice.

Beatrice and Manuel met at one of the dances where his band played and they danced all night. They were married in 1951 at the Union Espanola, a Spanish club for expatriates in Barranquilla, after a long teenage courtship. His dream of living in the United States became a reality in 1966. In the winter of 1966, they moved from Barranquilla to Milwaukee, WI with their three daughters and would have Diana two years later. Life in the United States was initially tough but he managed to juggle work, family and learning the American culture. He became a citizen in 1971, and shortly thereafter, a homeowner. With his inspiration to have all his daughters attend college and become self-sufficient, Manuel worked diligently at Continental Can Company where he had good friends until his retirement.

In 1990, Manuel and Beatrice moved to Cape Coral, Florida, where they enjoyed backyard barbecues, with their neighbors, the Kuckas. Manuel loved the water and would join his grandchildren on deep sea fishing outings. He enjoyed quality food such as fresh seafood, wine and Spanish and Colombian delicacies.

Manuel was proud of his Spanish lineage, his father Rafael from Linares, Jaen and his mother Manuela from Tarragona, Catalunya. He regained his Spanish citizenship in 2003.

After 23 years in Florida, Beatrice and Manuel moved to Arlington, VA to live near the Pages, where they could enjoy grand-parenthood with the youngest of the family. At Sunrise Living at Bluemont Park he was often lovingly referred to as Papa. Manuel found comfort in the company of the Page’s chihuahua pug, Santi, sharing treats and cookies with his favorite canine. Manuel was proud of his lifelong travels, which included Venezuela, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Spain, the Carribean Islands and Colombia.

Manuel's life will be honored with a memorial mass on September 28, 2019 at Immanuel Church on the Hill, 3606 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304. All family, friends and acquaintances are welcomed. More information will be forthcoming.

Remembrance donations may be made online to the American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org.