Manuel Huerta

Mannys life was the embodiment of a true rags to riches story and exemplified what hard work and determination can accomplish. He was born in Cordoba, Mexico, on November 9, 1934. When he was just a toddler his birth father, Luis Huerta, was killed in a traffic accident and he was entrusted into the care of his paternal grandparents who were well-to-do by the standards of that time. As a result Manny was dressed in suits and had his own driver to take him back and forth to school. That all changed when his mother Clemencia married Federico Madrid. After a year-long struggle she was able to regain custody of Manny when he was 3 years old. He then joined his new blended family in Orazaba, Mexico. They were an impoverished family of nine children (Angelica, Lila, Judith, Ricardo, Carmelita, Cucu, Antonio and Mario) and his parents worked very hard to support the family while instilling in Manny a sense of pride and the knowledge that he could be successful despite the odds. And successful he was.

His mother and stepfather, both of whom he absolutely adored and spoke of constantly throughout his life, can be credited with that success. They saw his potential and did not want him to wind up working in a factory as his father did. At the age of 16 they sent him to stay with relatives in Mexico City to further his education. There he graduated high school and began work in an electric company. But Manny was driven to get ahead so he enrolled in hotel school, the first step in a long and illustrious career in the hospitality industry. While waiting tables in Mexico City, his cousin noted that Manny could make more money working in Acapulco, so off he went. Employed at the Hilton Hotel in Acapulco he waited on celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson many of whom requested him by name. In Acapulco he met New Jersey-ite Mary Colina and in May of 1964 they married in Paterson, NJ. With her unflagging help he overcame many obstacles and became a U.S. citizen in 1964, an accomplishment of which he was incredibly proud. Together he and Mary raised their daughters, Nancy and Sharon. Manny was very proud of his daughters accomplishments; Nancy running her own business after graduating from Harvard University Law School; Sharon climbing the corporate ladder to become Executive Director at a book publishing company.

In 1966 after working at prominent restaurants in New Jersey and New York Manny joined Marriott Corporation where he rose from Banquet Captain to Catering Manager to Banquet Matre d. When Manny began his 37-year career with Marriott there were 17 hotels in the company. Now there are thousands. As a task force member Manny opened many of these properties and served stints at hotels in Puerto Rico, Springfield, MA, and finally San Antonio where he opened the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk Hotel. Matre ds of Mannys caliber are no longer to be found. He was one of a kind. He was a perfectionist - every fork and linen crease had to be just so. He was a teacher and mentor many of his waiters owe their success to his toughness and demand for perfection. And he was a charmer even irate guests melted in the wake of his calm demeanor and dazzling smile. Manny was respected by everyone from aisle men to fellow managers to Bill Marriott himself. After retirement from Marriott Manny devoted several years to the care of his ill wife, Mary, who predeceased him. He also achieved his dream of operating his own restaurant, The Towers, for several years.

Throughout the years Manny never forgot his roots, and as he became more successful after moving to the States he sent money to his family in Mexico on a regular basis and even put his younger brother, Mario, through school. This quiet generosity continued throughout his life.

On a record-breaking cold day in February 2011, Manny and Marlys Camilleri were married at their home in the company of a few close friends and family, and neither could have been happier. Together they embarked on international travels that included Poland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Netherlands, and their favorite place, Italy. They cruised the Rhein and Danube, visited dear friends in Puerto Rico and family in Mexico, Florida and Arizona. In November 2015 Manny celebrated his 81st birthday with a gathering of over 40 friends and family members at his home in San Antonio. It was a wonderful party honoring his many accomplishments, and he was profoundly touched by the outpouring of love and friendship of all who attended.

Manny was a deeply religious man stopping in almost every church in every city to which he and Marlys traveled. He silently prayed bedside each morning and evening and made regular visits to the Oblate Grotto to pray and light candles for those who passed before him.

And sports? Manny could watch any game with a ball but for decades his true joy was in following the New York Yankees baseball team. He was a devoted fan to say the least. And he rarely missed a San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Cowboys game on TV. He loved his sports.

Music was also an integral part of Mannys life. As he dusted the furniture or worked at his bench the music was always playing. Be it Johnny Mathis or the music of Vera Cruz and Vicente Fernandez it brought back so many memories and made his heart sing along.

In addition to his wife, Marlys Camilleri Huerta, daughter Nancy Huerta Riding and husband Jody of Shepherdstown, WV and daughter Sharon Huerta of New York City, he leaves behind brother and sister-in-law Mario and Cuca Madrid of Mexico City, sister-in-law and niece Elena and Elenita Madrid of Orazaba, Mexico, and sisters- and brothers-in-law Donna and Edward DuBaldo of Florida and Susan and Robert Healy of Connecticut, as well as his cherished dog Dolce. Manny will be missed by many nieces and nephews who adored and respected him, and a truly incredible group of dear friends, neighbors and extended family with whom he spent many many memorable and fun times. Their support, encouragement and love warmed his heart and made him feel like the godfather, legend and truly special person that he really was. Special thanks to Octavio Hernandez and Sebastian Camilleri for faithfully calling and boosting Mannys spirits as he maneuvered through health challenges.

His wife extends sincere thanks to Mannys exceptional doctors and caregivers who provided kindhearted and expert care over the years.

Manny will be especially missed for his quiet but quick wit, his generosity and selflessness, his determination to overcome innumerable health issues, his exceptional culinary talents and his dazzling smile. He was without a doubt THE BEST!!!

There is no question that Manny went directly to heaven, undoubtedly the fastest thing he ever did. There he waits for the rest of us to join him in eternal happiness.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 27 from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm with rosary to immediately follow at:Porter Loring Mortuary North2102 North Loop 1604 EastSan Antonio, TX 78232210-495-8221

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to:Grotto Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes5712 Blanco Rd, Building 42San Antonio, TX 78216

There is a special Angel in Heaven that is part of meIt is not where I wanted him but where God wanted him to beHe was here but just a moment like a night time shooting starAnd though he is in Heaven he isnt very far.He touched the heart of many like only an Angel can do.So I send this special message to the Heaven up above.Please take care of my Angel and send him all my love.

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