Manuel Antonio Orantes

Manuel Antonio Orantes, 91, passed away on March 11, 2026. He was born on January 9, 1935, in Zacatecoluca, La Paz, El Salvador. He graduated from Delgado Community College. Manuel worked as a Color Specialist and Foreman at Crescent Decal Specialist until his retirement.

Manuel loved gardening roses and fruit trees. He developed a constant love/hate relationship with the squirrels and birds. The avocado tree finally bore little fruit and then Katrina brought it down. He was a great worker with his hands, he enjoyed building things and growing his own food.

Manuel loved just sitting outside remembering his childhood and family in the Cantón, and of course, telling stories and being a master joke teller. He wrote his stories about his life in 3 books written for the family. They all learned so much from those books.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and one sister.

Survivors include his wife, of 61 years, Ana Maria Ramírez de Orantes; children, Rafael Orantes, Guillermo Orantes (Sandra), Ana Graciela Orantes, Carolina Duffard (Jay); four sisters, two brothers; seven grandchildren; three grandpups; and lots of nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 12:30 pm, on Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 2402 33rd St, Kenner, with Rev. Luis Carlos Duarte. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am prior to the service. Interment will be in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.