Manuel Dias

Manuel P. Dias, known to most as Manny and to his favorite people as Pop, was born on May 30, 1959, in Tondela, Portugal. With determination and a big heart, he came to the United States to live the American dream and he truly did just that.
After arriving in the U.S., he met his soulmate, Donna Curry Dias celebrating 46 years together this June. Together they built a beautiful life in High Bridge, New Jersey filled with family, laughter, hard work, and countless adventures. Their home was always welcoming, always lively, and usually filled with the smell of something incredible cooking in the kitchen.
Manny was a proud and devoted father to Manny (Lisa), Stephen (Erica), Christy (Christopher), and Cody. But his favorite title of all was Pop to his six grandchildren: James, Luke, Jackson, Maren, Austin, and Benjamin. He adored them and made sure each of them knew it.
Manny is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Steve & Hong Hui Curry and his nephews, Sean, Jay and Joe who loved their camping adventures with Uncle Manny. He was predeceased by his father, Antonio Dias Velozo and his mother, Maria Pereira Velozo.
He dedicated his entire career to NYP Corp, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of everyone around him. Manny believed in showing up, working hard, and treating people right and thats exactly how he lived.
He loved being outdoors and found peace in nature. Manny had a green thumb that could heal the sickest plants and he took such pride in that. His garage was his happy place, where he could build, fix, and create often with a grandchild or one of his kids nearby, learning from him. If something was broken, Manny could fix it. If you needed advice, he had it. If you were hungry, he was already cooking.
A passionate soccer fan, he proudly coached his children and rarely missed a game. Whether on the sidelines or cheering from home, his enthusiasm was contagious.
Mannys kitchen was another one of his passions. He loved sharing his Portuguese cuisine, teaching recipes, and making sure no one ever left the table hungry. For him, food meant family, culture, and love.
He was always upbeat, always smiling, and always ready to lend a hand. His energy filled a room, and his presence made people feel at ease.
We will forever raise a glass of Porto to Pop, celebrating the life he built, the love he gave, and the examples he set. He lived fully, loved deeply, and will always be remembered as the best.
Arrangements are being held privately at this time by Manny's family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be made to South Branch Emergency Services www.sbes365.org