Pastor Manuel "Manny" Garcia Sosa

Manuel was born on June 17, 1938, in Paramount, California, to Ted and Mary Sosa. He was one of four siblings, growing up with one brother and two sisters. It was in his younger years that he met Virginia Acosta, the woman who would become the love of his life. Manuel and Virginia were married on December 8, 1958, in Los Angeles County, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span nearly 68 years.

Together, Manuel and Virginia raised three daughters: Carolyn (husband Jeff Pfeifer), Renee Sandretto, and Yvonne (husband Brandon Sloan). Manuel was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought great joy to his life.

Manuel worked for UPS for 20 years before answering a greater calling. He became an ordained pastor and spent the next 35 years serving God and sharing the message of Jesus Christ.

To his three daughters, their dad was simply “the greatest.” He made sure his family had what they needed and made holidays and family gatherings full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. There were countless good times growing up, and Manuel’s love for his family was evident in everything he did.

Manuel was a good man with a big heart and an even bigger laugh. He loved to laugh, and his laughter came easily. He enjoyed barbecues with family and friends and became known for making what his family lovingly remembers as the best barbecue chicken ever.

In his younger years, Manuel was a musician and played in a band. The family garage in Buena Park, California, became a place filled with music as Manuel and his band practiced. Family members, neighborhood children, and kids from around the block would gather outside the garage to watch and listen. Those days created memories that his family would treasure for years to come.

Manuel loved the beach and enjoyed body surfing. He also loved attending auto shows and had a special appreciation for classic cars, especially the beautiful old lowriders.

But in January 1969, Manuel’s life changed forever when he found the Lord. The music that once filled his garage with his band soon became praise and worship. From that point forward, his life became devoted to serving God and sharing the love of Jesus with others.

Manuel loved being in church and being surrounded by people. He had a heart for those in need and organized food drives and helped provide meals to people who were hungry. His ministry took him far beyond the walls of a church. He led missions in Mexico and later traveled to the Philippines and Brazil, sharing the Gospel and serving communities in need. He also spent countless hours evangelizing on the streets of Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside County, simply wanting people to know the love of Jesus and the hope of salvation.

In August 1992, Pastor Manuel founded Green Olive Tree Ministries in Riverside, California. What began as one church grew into a ministry that eventually expanded to 10 additional locations throughout the country.

Throughout his years of ministry, Pastor Manuel touched countless lives. He prayed for people, fed people, encouraged people, and most importantly, shared with them the love of Jesus Christ and the message of salvation. His ministry was not simply what he did—it was who he was.

Manuel will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, faithful pastor, friend, musician, servant, and man of God.

His family will remember his laughter, his generosity, his love of family gatherings, his famous barbecue chicken, his music, his love of the beach and classic cars, and most of all, his unwavering love for Jesus.

Pastor Manuel “Manny” Garcia Sosa lived a life of purpose. He gave his heart to God and spent decades giving that love away to others.

He was loved by many, touched countless lives, and will never be forgotten.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that Pastor Manuel is now in the presence of the Lord he loved and served so faithfully.

His race is finished. His work is done. His faith remains.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Visitation and Evening Service will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 5pm-8pm, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins, with the Service of Remembrance at 6pm. Manny will be laid to rest the following day, Friday, September 11, 2026 at 10am at Resthaven Memory Gardens. All are invited to join Manny's family, after his burial, for a time of food and fellowship at Antioch Community Church in Fort Collins.

Contributions in Pastor Manny’s memory may be made here: https://gofund.me/26d9879ce to support his beloved wife, Virginia Sosa, after his passing.

Fond memories of Manny and words of comfort for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.