Manuel Dieppa

Manuel Dieppa passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on February 24, 2026. He is survived by his beloved bride of 69 years, Mary Lou; five children: Anthony, Donna, Angela (Chris), Joseph, and Marie; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Joe (Cheryl); and many extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Rose Dieppa, his brother, Vincent, brother-in-law, Joe, and son-in-law, Karl.

Manny was born in the Bronx, and grew up there alongside his younger brothers. On June 2, 1956, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou. They spent 75 years together, and his commitment to her was a testament to his warmth and character, upholding his vows, "in sickness and in health, until death do us part." She is truly lost without him.

Their family home in Holbrook, NY always had a pool in the yard, and Friday nights meant homemade pizza for anyone who walked in, no invitation required. Later, their home in Edgewater, FL became the gathering place for holidays, celebrations, and ordinary afternoons. Their homes have been the home of all family traditions and memories. Neighbors and friends could drop in whenever. All the walls are covered with pictures of everyone they love. The door was always open and you could never leave hungry. There was even a walk-in closet full of snacks and drinks in his bedroom, as if he had prepared for every possible visitor.

Manny wore many hats over the years. He worked as a dispatcher, a truck driver, a postman, and a fireman. He served as Fire Chief of the Holbrook Fire Department from 1972-1974, where he served his community, saving lives, and spent a total of 61 years as a Life Member of the department. In every role, whether in uniform or not, he was extraordinary, and a caregiver through and through.

He never needed a spotlight to command a room; his presence alone was enough. He was the unofficial quality control inspector of every pastelillo and zapelle, strangely loyal to burnt cookies, and always ready with advice and critiques. He could sew the holes in your pants, bandage whatever hurt you, fix nearly anything that broke, and could retrieve exactly what you needed from his garage that seemed to contain everything ever made. He was gentle and kind, though never one to sugarcoat the truth.

In his later years, he found joy in simple rituals: tending to his backyard plants, working on his tan under the Florida sun, or relaxing on his back deck that his grandson built for him. For 92 years, Manny chose the brighter side of life. Even in his final months, he chose to fight, to stay present, to celebrate alongside those he loved. That determination was not new; it was simply who he had always been. To his family, he was the center of gravity, the steady hand, and the glue.

To know him was an honor. To love him was a privilege. To be loved by him was the ultimate gift. His life was full, generous, and deeply lived. He will be missed by so many.

His family would like to personally thank all the medical staff who cared for him over the years and really got to know him. Your compassion brought joy to his life and we appreciate the support and caring nature of all who loved Pop.

A service and visitation will be held at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 3-5pm.

1 N Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169