He is survived by his loving wife of thirty nine years Jo and three sons Mikal 37, Matthew and Mark 36 all of Green Cove Springs, Fl.
A native of Stockton, CA Manuel was the born to mother- Olivia Silva a native of Azores Portugal and his father Pedro DeToro a native of the Philippines. His father served as a cook for farm workers in Stockton. Manuel was the third of four sons: Pedro ( wife Judy) and Miguel (wife Susan) both older and Robert (wife Beverly) his younger brother. All four DeToro sons are U.S military veterans. All three brothers and their wives survive him and still reside in California.
Manuel was a thirty year Veteran of the United States Navy, serving most of his time in the Pacific Fleet. He saw duty on the Swift Boats in Vietnam. After his military retirement he worked at Garber Ford in Green Cove Springs and Roberts Isuzu in Orange Park, FL following a man he much admired-his friend and boss- Mr. Jerry Myers. He later worked at NAS Jax Navy Commissary with all his sons during their high school years.
Manuel spent most of his free time selflessly serving his family and community. A fixture at Clay County High School Sports, Manuel maned thousands of hours on grills All along he kept people smiling and laughing with his tremendous energy and sense of humor. He loved to play the part of crusty, cantankerous curmudgeon but all knew of his big heart and desire to help the kids and schools. He was a true character with a servant’s heart.
Services will be on Saturday May 4, 2019 at 1 pm at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home 127 Blanding Blvd Orange Park 32073.
