Lawrence "Lil Larry" Raymond Acosta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lawrence “Lil Larry” Acosta, he passed away on July 28, 2026, at the age of 45.

Born on October 16, 1980, Lawrence was the beloved son of Wendell Manuwa and Nora Manuwa. Affectionately known as “Lil Larry” or “Baby Larry,” to know him was to love him. The old saying “He could light up a room,” truly described Lawrence. His smile was contagious, His laugh unforgettable, and his personality was one of a kind. No matter what kind of day you were having-or even if he had gotten on your nerves just moments before-he always had a way of making you laugh, smile, and remember what truly mattered.

Lawrence lived life with a big heart and an unforgettable free spirt. He brought joy wherever he went and had a special gift for making everyone around him feel welcomed, loved, and entertained. Above all, he was a father who loved his children deeply. His greatest legacy lives on through his daughters Paige Acosta and Payton Acosta, and his son, Lawrence Acosta, whom he cherished with all his heart.

To those who knew him best, Lawrence’s playful side was unforgettable. His sisters often joked that he was a true wrestling champ. As a kid, he used his younger sisters as his “WWF wrestling practice” so he could defend his championship belt against cousin Brian. Looking back those playful matches became some of the family’s most treasured memories, filled with laughter, imagination, and the special bond only siblings share.

Lawrence had a mischievous streak that kept everyone on their toes, but it was all part of his charm that made him so unforgettable. If you asked his grandmother Marcie Rodriguez, however, he was absolutely perfect and could do no wrong. It didn’t matter if he accidentally broke the seat in her brand-new Cadillac or convinced her that his Aunt Sandie had been picking on him just so Aunt Sandie would end up in trouble. Grandma Marcie always believed her beloved golden grandchild.

Lawrence is lovingly remembered by his parents, Wendell Manuwa and Nora Manuwa, his children, Paige Acosta, Payton Acosta, and Lawrence Acosta, his sisters, Conny Gillum and Adrian Suell, his babe Dana Perez, along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, and loved ones whose lives were forever touched by his kindness and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather’s Felipe Barajas and Ruben Rodriguez, his grandmothers Marcie Rodriguez and Connie Rivera, and his beloved godson Nicholas Garcia.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we are grateful for the love, laughter, and unforgettable memories he gave us, Lawrence “Lil Larry” Acosta will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. His light will continue to shine through the stories we tell, the smiles he inspired, and the love he leaves behind. While he may no longer walk beside us, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 South Litchfield Road, Goodyear, Arizona on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 South Litchfield Road, Goodyear, on August 15, 2026, at 11:00 am.