Manuel Santos

Manuel was born on March 7, 1919, in Cayey, Puerto Rico to Pedro Ofray and his wife Santos Santos, being number three of seven brothers; William, Aristides, Angelo, Peter, Arthur, and Robert. Pedro passed away when Manuel was younger, and his mother immigrated to New York (NY) in search of opportunity. She then brought her sons over, and it was then that Manuel met and married Adela Mercado.

Manual loved the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) faith, being baptized in Prospect Church, NY, and with hopes of becoming a pastor. He joined Arthur at the Spanish SDA seminary in Sandoval, NM. He then traveled to California, leaving the seminary and briefly worked as a colporteur and later as a Hoover vacuum salesman in San Jose area. The family moved to LA where he attended Barber college, later opening his own barbershop for twenty years and entering the trophy business with Peter until retirement. During his life, Manuel was a strong lay leader, prayer warrior, and preacher, being influential in San Jose, San Fernando, and LA areas. He supported the church with tithes and offerings, especially La Voz de Esperanza.

He is survived by four children: Linda, Marvin, Daniel, and David; three Daughter-in-Laws: Emma, Rita, and Letty; seven grandchildren: Lynette, Sarah, Priscilla, Jason, Andrew, Tiffany, and Christopher; and three great-grandchildren: Lauryn, Layna, and Vivianna; and his loyal dog, Jumpy. Manuel is also survived by his younger brother Arturo Santos. Manuel was preceded in death by his wife Adela, his son, Junior, and his five brothers, William, Aristides, Angelo, Peter, and Robert.

Manual passed peacefully into rest on February 1st, 2017 at ninety-seven years old surrounded by his loving family during the last days of his life. We do not say goodbye, but “see you again, Papi, in a better world where there will be no more pain, sorrow, sickness, nor death.”

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 12-1:30 pm, and Funeral Service at 1:30 pm, both at Montecito Valley View Chapel, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton, California. Burial will follow at Montecito Memorial Park.

Manuel will be dearly missed by his family and friends.