Manny was born on January 29, 1948 and raised in Los Banos, CA. At the age of 24, his life changed when he gave his life to Christ. Prior to that Manny was a stutterer and from that day forward, the miracle of never stuttering again altered the direction of his life. He became a teacher and speaker with a powerful voice. Manny was a man of God in every way and never wavered in his love for Christ or belief in His goodness.
He obtained a BA in Music and taught high school music and theater, but soon realized he was called to something very different. He went back to school and received a Masters of Divinity from Talbot Theological Seminary. His dream of completing his doctorate was only one class away. He became an intern at First Baptist Church in Modesto, California working mostly with college students and being a part of the choir. Upon completing his internship, he became the lead pastor at First Southern Baptist Church in Hutchison, Kansas. Before long he chose to return to warmer country and accepted a lead pastor role at Camelback Community Church in Phoenix, AZ for the next 6 years. His career changed for 15 years selling and designing pools for Shasta Pools. Once again, ministry became a part of his life as he was asked to lead the singles ministry at Grace Community Church. Not long after that, Highlands Church asked him to begin a new singles ministry in Scottsdale, AZ. For the next decade he was blessed to be with single men and women which was a very special time for Manny and extremely rewarding. In 2012, he was called to Cornerstone Church to pastor the singles ministry which is where he found his greatest fulfillment in guiding and loving single men and women. The ministry grew steadily as Manny built a safe place for singles to be with one another, have fun together, and most importantly, grow in their relationship with Christ. There are around 50 marriages that emerged from this special group. The many friends that were part of Manny’s life were always vitally important and meaningful to him all throughout his life.
The most cherished thing in Manny’s life was his family. Without fail, he was always there for each one of them with unconditional love. Teri never felt more loved or privileged to walk beside Manny living life with him and supporting him in all he was called to do. His love for his three daughters was so easily seen by everyone. Each of them saw their ‘daddy’ as the best father and grandfather ever. All of Teri’s family had much respect for him and felt his genuine love for them. We have been a blessed family because of Manny’s spirit around us. One thing that will always be remembered, besides his love for God, is all the silly jokes he’d share with us all making us laugh and shake our heads. But no matter what was going on, he always brought everything back to his forever love, Jesus Christ.
Manny is survived by his wife Teresa Mello; children Rebecca (Jonathan) Whaley, Bethani Mello, Alison (Tyler) Braccesca; step son's Ryan (Janet) Arneson, Matthew (Maia) Arneson, Scott (Andrea) Arneson; grandchildren Nicholas Johnston, Daniel Johnston, Evan Johnston, Xavier Perez-Whaley, Jesse Sharp, Joseph Sharp, Colt Braccesca, Aradell Braccesca, Abigail (Izaak) Kubat, Hannah Arneson, Ethan Arneson, Moriah Arneson, Jedyn Arneson, Cahlea Arneson, Sofia Arneson, Miles Arneson; and nephew Jeremy Imbesi. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Rose Mello; sister Loretta Imbesi; and nephew Aaron Imbesi.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation by check or cash only on the day of service to Cornerstone Church. In the memo of the check, please be sure to put "Manny" or "Singles 45 + Ministry". There will be a donation box at the church. Thank you!
The family requests guests please wear color to Manny's Legacy of Love!
