Carlos Manuel Martinez Ferrer

Carlos Manuel Martinez Ferrer, also known by his family and friends as "Manolito", entered into eternal rest on June 17, 2024 at the age of 78. He was a native of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and a resident of Kenner, LA for the past 44 years. Manolito was the first born of 7 siblings and he was the Patriarch for his family and siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eunice Rafaela Martinez Ferrer and Manuel de Jesus Martinez Hernandez. He leaves behind his loving wife, of 56 years, Orialis Vidal Martinez, sons; Carlos Manuel Martinez, II and Andro Martinez (Megan),and Madeline Rodriguez, a niece who he raised as his daughter. Abuelo to Noah Martinez and Levi Martinez. Brother of Eunice del Pozo (Juan), Teresa Martinez, Andres Martinez (Dinorah), Marilo Martinez (Jorge), Maria Martinez (William) and Laline Martinez. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
As a young man, in Santiago de Cuba, Manolito finished high school at a young age ahead of his peers. His first job was at a bank because of his mathematical skills. He then enrolled at a business school just to be able to spend time with a girl he liked and then married in the future. At the age of 18 years old, Manolito was called to military service in the Cuban Army first draft under Castro's regime. While serving he was able to teach his fellow enlisted men how to read and write using the newspaper and one of those men even became an officer. After the mandatory military service he came home and married his sweet heart, Orialis Vidal. Manolito started to work at the cement factory and was known as Mr. Fix-it, because he could fix anything. He and his family came in the exodus from Cuba called, el Mariel in 1980. Manolito worked for Avondale Shipyard, in Avondale, LA, when he first arrived to the United States and then Pellerin Milnor, in Kenner, LA where he retired as a machinist. He knew all the different sheet metal machines and mastered them. He was a man of straight talk and was to the point. When it came to politics, whether foreign or domestic, he will let you know how it really is (his view on the subject). Leaving the communist regime of Cuba, he made sure that his family had the opportunity to make a living in the United States. He became a US citizen so he could vote and make a difference. His pastimes were fishing, going to the casinos on the Mississippi coast, and Mr. Handyman to all. Manolito also loved to grow his plantain trees, yucca, malanga, papaya, lemon, lime, mirlitons and his beautiful roses. He was Mr. Green thumbs and we all enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation and Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at L. A. Muhleisen and Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner. Visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by Funeral Mass at 3:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum at a later date.