Manzel Robert Caldwell

Manzel was born to Raymond and Emogene Caldwell on November 26, 1951, in Port Huron, Michigan. As a youth he enjoyed playing many sports, chiefly among them being basketball. Upon graduating from Port Huron Northern High School in 1969, Manzel worked and stayed in Port Huron where he met his lifetime partner, Joan Petoskey. Together, they left the harsh winter weather of Michigan and ventured out west to San Bernardino, California in 1977 where they resided and raised three children.

He worked for the County of San Bernardino Department of Social Services for 35 years, helping thousands of people during his tenure there. Everyone in the city of San Bernardino knew him from encountering him through his job and when seeing him around town, they would greet him with a wave and acknowledgement as “Mr. Caldwell.” All the grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he always took pleasure in giving them toys as toddlers and pitching in with the more expensive necessities of life as they got older.

Manzel is survived by his lifetime partner Joan Petoskey, son Manzel Petoskey of Grand Terrace, daughter Carisa Petoskey of San Bernardino, and son William Petoskey of Colton, brother Aaron Butler of California, Raymond (Wanda) Caldwell of Flint, MI, sister Imogene Ehlen of Chicago, IL, and brother Sammy Caldwell of Port Huron, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Emogene Caldwell, sister Anita Caldwell, and brothers William Brian Caldwell, Dwayne Caldwell and Tyrone Caldwell Sr.

Respecting his wishes, Manzel wished for his arrangements to be simple and private. A brief visitation service will be held at Montecito Mortuary on Friday, January 7, 2022.

The family insists to donate to the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers.