Manuel graduated from Sacramento High School Class of 1978. Following graduation, he worked at Florshiem Shoe Store in Florin Mall. Manuel later worked for the State of California in the Executive office of the Social Services Department. After working for the State, he followed his passion in construction where he learned various trades to eventually own his own handyman service company GPS Handyman Services (Gods Personal Servant Handyman Services).
Music was Manuel’s passion. He played bass guitar for the Midnight Players as an original band member forming the band in 1977 with neighborhood friends Rudy Betancourt, Mike Sellars and William Wong. After performing in Battle of the Bands, the Midnight Players played all over Sacramento and the Bay Area opening for bands such as Rosie and the Originals, The Temptations, The S.O.S. Band and WAR.
Manuel had a big stage presence and loved playing to the crowd. During sets he would jump off stage to dance with fans. Manuel was proud of his accomplishments with The Midnight Players which include appearing on Good Day Sacramento, playing for Cesar Chavez, headlining the Players Cruise to Mexico and most importantly seeing his Midnight Players family grow in the 45 years he played with them. Manuel made friendship everywhere he went. Through his love for music and devotion as a Christian he also played on a worship team for BOSS Church. Manuel never learned how to read sheet music and played by ear. Manuel’s bass will be immortalized at Harlow’s Nightclub in Sacramento.
Manuel's finest accomplishment was being a grandparent. He was Grandpa, Papa and Lito. Manuel loved fashion and made sure his grandkids looked as fly as he did, spoiling them with clothes and shoes. “Papa Lito” started a tradition of getting donuts with his grandkids on the mornings he had them. “Papa Lito’s” endless energy made him a perfect playmate. He climbed around with his grandkids, not afraid to let his inner child play. “Papa Lito” loved to cuddle, kiss and carry his grand babies regardless of how big they got. He listened patiently and laughed loudly with them. His grand babies where his little angels.
Manuel also had a love for nature and enjoyed camping with family and friends at Fort Bragg, Ocean Cove, and Lawson’s Landing. The last purchase he made with his wife Maria was a 30 foot Shadow Cruiser RV. He loved hitching up the RV to his Ford 350 power stroke diesel (his other pride and joy) and driving off to new adventures.
Predeceased by his father Manuel De Jesus Cervin Senior and brother Javier Francisco Cervin.
Survived by wife Maria (Mora) Cervin. His daughter Marisela Keating with her husband John Keating and grandchildren Dean Anthony Keating and Charli Olivia Keating. His son Manuel De Jesus Cervin III with his son Antonio De Jesus Cervin and Rachel Yanez with her son Brandon Salinas. Sister Cristina Cervin with her sons Marco Moncada, Carlos Moncada, and Andrew Moncada. Sister Laura Johnson with her sons Michael Johnson and Gregory Johnson. Sister Denise Cervin with her son Louie Viega. Stepdaughter Suzette M. (Lopez) Vidners and her husband Andrew Vidners with grandchildren Savannah Vidners and Sylas Vidners. His stepsons Michael Sabado and Daniel J. Coleman Junior.
Manuel is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends who are family,
A visitation for Manuel will be held Friday, July 8, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, California 95819. A funeral service will begin at 5:00 PM. A procession past manuel's family home will begin at 7:00 PM.
Serving as pallbearers are Manuel "Charlie" Cervin, Antonio Cervin, Louie Viega, John Keating, Mike Sellars and Rick Mora.
PALLBEARERS
Manuel "Charlie" Cervin
Antonio Cervin
Louie Viega
John Keating
Mike Sellars
Rick Mora
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