Manuel "Manny" Mercado

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Manuel M. Mercado, 75, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Stockton, California. “Manny” fought cancer for several months and spent his final days surrounded by his family. 

Manny was born in Manila, Philippines to Jose and Martha Mercado on June 22, 1947. Out of 8 children, he was the youngest boy. As a child, Manny was makulit (“mischievous” in Tagalog) and enjoyed spending time with his neighborhood buddies in Tondo. Although he always joked that his education was limited to “only finishing 4th grade,” he actually earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Far Eastern University in Manila, where he also worked part-time as a Jeepney driver. 

In 1977, he moved to the United States, supported by his Ate Pat (older sister) and his brother-in-law, Jess Navarro. Years later, in 1981, on a fateful trip to San Francisco with his best friend, Larry Valera, he met the love of his life: Arlin Patricio. Less than a year after dating, Manny proposed to Arlin. “Take it or leave it,” he said. They were married in a civil ceremony in Reno, Nevada on August 15, 1982. 

On September 3, 1983, Manny and Arlin had their church wedding at St. Luke’s Church in Stockton. They moved into their first house together and as their love grew, so did their family. They welcomed a baby boy, Januel Patricio Mercado in 1984 and then their baby girl, Joann Patricio Mercado (Hicks), in 1986.

For more than 25 years, Manny worked as a foreman in the bakery and confectionery industry, having been a member of the Bakery and Confectionery Union until his retirement in 2008. Throughout his career, he facilitated company donations of bread and donuts to many charity events in California.

Manny spent his retired days traveling around the world with Arlin and their family. He and Arlin loved to visit their children in Los Angeles where they enjoyed constant meriendas (“snacks-meals” in Tagalog). Manny’s reputation as an excellent cook reached the far corners of the earth. His palabok is legendary. 

In the summer of 2015, Manny officially welcomed his “favorite son-in-law,” Marques Hicks, into the Mercado family. This was the day Marques married his daughter, Joann, which Manny has said was one of the happiest moments of his life.

Manny was very proud of his children’s accomplishments. He enjoyed seeing his daughter and son both have successful careers in the film and television industry.

Like his favorite Frank Sinatra karaoke song, Manny Mercado did it his way. Regrets, he’s had a few. But then again, too few to mention. 

Manny lived a beautiful and blessed life. He will always be remembered, especially as a beloved husband and father.