Manuel was born on March 17, 1948 in Mandaluyong City, Philippines to Nemesio Sr. and Cresuncion (Remigio) Torres. He attended Jose Rizal College in Mandaluyong City in 1970, studying various subjects, but he was disinterested in education. He was an active barangay officer in his neighborhood, Hagdang Bato, in Mandaluyong City. He was a jack of all trades, enjoying carpentry and other skills, and frequently spent time with his friends. On November 8, 1978, he had a secret civil marriage with Marcelina Benito Torres, and then married in the church on February 25, 1979. He and his family migrated to the United States in 1987. They raised three sons, Anthony, John Edward, and Jonathan.
Manuel had a passion for woodworking and other similar crafts, creating benches, cards, birdcages, and chairs, as well as poems, home improvements, and other various projects for friends and family. He enjoyed games of chance, especially in basketball, horse racing, and Mahjong, and he enjoyed listening to music from many genres like Classical, Filipino music, 40s, 50s, and 60s, and from artists like Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Johnny Mathis, Celtic Women, the Carpenters, Journey, and Josh Groban. He was loved by everyone for his kindness, patience, compassion, and his easy-going and fun-loving spirit. His humor and silliness never failed to make anyone smile or laugh. His smile was gentle, warm, and infectious.
Manuel was preceded in death by his father, Nemesio Sr., and his mother, Cresuncion. He is survived by his wife Marcelina, his three children, Anthony, John Edward, and Jonathan, his granddaughter, Kaylene, and several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Everyone is invited to share their memories of Manuel with his family during visitation at Funeraria Del Angel, 2333 W Merced Ave, West Covina, on Monday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 8, from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. A mass will be held at 7 p.m. on both days.
Mass will be celebrated in memory of Manuel on Wednesday, October 9, at 9:30 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3883 Baldwin Park Blvd, Baldwin Park. Interment will follow in the family plot at Forest Lawn Memorial, Covina.
Flowers or donations may be sent to Marcelina Torres, 14376 Telluride Drive, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.
