Frank Manuel

1940 - 2021

Frank Manuel

On Saturday, May 22, 2021, Francisco Gonzales Manuel, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 81. Frank was born on March 1, 1940 in Glendale, Arizona to Librado and Francisca (Gonzales) Manuel. While attending Peoria High School, he decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He was proud to have been a member of the USMC boxing team and earned an Expert Marksman Medal while performing his duties with the Military Police while he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After receiving a Good Conduct Medal and an Honorable Discharge in 1961, he returned home to Glendale.

On August 31, 1963, he married Patricia Lebario. They raised two children, son Patrick and daughter Celeste. Throughout their marriage, they were given the honor of being godparents to 10 children of family and friends. They treated many children as their own by assisting them through emotional or financial troubles. Anyone who asked for help was comforted by his encouraging words, strong presence and decisiveness.

In 1966, Frank was the 45th individual to be hired by the Western Electric Manufacturing Division. He enjoyed his work as a Machinist at the Phoenix cable plant and was recognized for his contribution to the improvement of their methods and products. In 1995, after 29 years and multiple successors of AT&T, he retired from the telecommunications industry.

Frank spent part of his retirement volunteering with his wife for the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glendale. Together they would drive around the valley picking up donations or dropping off food boxes to needy families. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #41 in Phoenix for 30 years, where he enjoyed dancing and socializing. At home, Frank was known for his floor tile inlay patterns, plants which he rescued from the clearance bin and for building "pandemic" furniture from discarded wood and metal.

Throughout his lifetime, Frank was a true Marine. He knew the meaning of brotherhood and set an example by taking in and caring for fellow Marine and Purple Heart recipient, Joe M. Levario. Frank also courageously and selflessly donated a kidney to his wife, Patricia for her first transplant. He was also her dependable primary caregiver during her second kidney transplant and through her final days of illness.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, his father, mother, brother Librado, Jr. and sister Mary Sais. He is deeply missed by his son Patrick (Liz) and daughter Celeste (Tom Cotter), grandchildren: Christine Mena Glass, Kris Glass, Anyssa Manuel, Korina Manuel, Aaron Manuel, Quinn Cotter and great-grandchild, Iszabella Manuel. He is also survived by his siblings and their beloved children: Erlinda (Juan) Alvarez, Amelia Hernandez, Martin Manuel, Phillipa (Paul) Labrador, Chevy (Tony) Rodriguez, Johnny Manuel, Mary Lou Manuel and Ray Sais.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021 at West Resthaven Funeral Home at 1:00 PM with a burial service following at 2:00 PM (6450 W. Northern Ave, Glendale). Due to COVID-19 concerns, a reception will not be held following the burial.