Daniel Aguilar Manuat Jr.

Dr. Daniel (Dan, “Nonoy”) Manuat Jr., beloved husband, father, physician, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on February 20, 1943, in Kapalong, Davao Region, Philippines, Dan’s life was a vibrant tapestry of determination, resilience, and generosity, woven through his unwavering commitment to serving others and the countless experiences that shaped his kind and compassionate spirit.

The son of a farmer, Dan was born during tumultuous wartime in the Philippines and grew up in humble circumstances. With his relentless determination and hard work, he pursued a career in medicine and achieved what others thought was beyond his reach. He graduated from Manila Central University in 1970 and traveled to the United States in 1972 to visit his sister, Naty. As his visa neared expiration, fate intervened. While visiting family in Winnebago, Nebraska, the Vietnam War ended, creating an urgent need for physicians at the then called IHS Winnebago Indian Hospital. Recognizing the perfect alignment of need and opportunity, Dan was petitioned to stay and work there. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his immigration journey to the United States. After completing U.S. medical board requirements, he continued his medical training with his intern year at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, West Virginia, and then completed his radiology residency in 1980 and nuclear medicine fellowship in 1981 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Hines, Illinois. While in training, it was there that Dan met and married the love of his life, Cora in Chicago, Illinois, on her birthday, June 1980.

Soon after graduating, the couple moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where Dan began his service as a U.S. Army physician and later welcomed their children, Charissa and Derrick. He was then stationed in Landstuhl, Germany from 1987-1989. While in Germany, Dan and his family visited numerous destinations across Europe, creating cherished memories and embracing the rich cultural experiences the continent offered. The family eventually settled in Central Illinois, where Dan dedicated the remainder of his medical career in radiology and internal medicine. He hung up his stethoscope in 2010 and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada for the warmer weather and endless opportunities for entertainment while in retirement. Throughout his life, he remained deeply proud of his military service and his contributions to medicine, reflecting his lifelong commitment to honor and healing.

Despite facing numerous health setbacks over the years, Dan fought tirelessly to recover, overcoming many disabilities with the same determination and resilience that defined his life. His perseverance inspired everyone around him.

Outside of his professional achievements, Dan was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for cooking, often creating gourmet meals that brought delight to countless friends and family members. Whether hosting a gathering or preparing a simple meal, Dan’s kitchen was a place of warmth and celebration. Always the storyteller, these gatherings offered the perfect opportunity of a captive audience to share his stories and recount his antics that always ended with a hysterical punchline. He also had a remarkable green thumb and could grow anything in the garden, cultivating vibrant plants and fresh produce that he happily shared with others. His gardening skills reflected his nurturing spirit and love for life. Above all, Dan’s most treasured role was as “Nono” to his "pangga" Carolyn, his only granddaughter. He found immense joy in her company, relishing in their pretend-play adventures and organizing lively performances and parades around the house. Dan's happiest moments were spent with his family, knowing his legacy would live on through their shared love and togetherness.

Dan’s kindness extended far beyond his immediate circle. He was deeply charitable, supporting family members’ pursuits and contributing generously to various charities. His philanthropy reflected his unwavering belief in the power of community and giving back, whether through financial support or heartfelt encouragement.

A devoted family man, Dan was an exceptional father, a loving husband, a proud grandfather, a loyal brother, a generous uncle, and a faithful friend. His kindness and generosity touched countless lives.

Dan is survived by his cherished wife of nearly 45 years, Corazon Tiangco Manuat; his children, Dr. Charissa Lynn Manuat and Derrick Daniel Manuat; his son-in-law Dr. Richard Brooksbank Jr.; his granddaughter, Carolyn Manuat Brooksbank; and his sister, Natividad Rigor. He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel Labi Manuat, Sr. and Tiburcia Mandabon Aguilar and his siblings, Baudilla Jardin and Leopoldo Manuat, whose memories he held dear.

A funeral service mass will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 6350 N Fort Apache Rd, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Visitation will follow from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Palm Northwest Mortuary, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV.

A reception will occur from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, also at Palm Northwest Mortuary.

The committal service, with military burial honors, will take place at 3:00 PM at Palm Northwest Cemetery, 6701 N Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or Gawad Kalinga USA, a nonprofit organization working to end poverty by building caring and sharing communities in the Philippines.

Dr. Daniel Manuat Jr.'s legacy of compassion, resilience, and love will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.