Manuel G. "Dad; Tito Manoling; Manoling; Don Manuel; Manny" Mercader

Manuel G. Mercader, affectionately known as Dad, Tito Manoling, Manoling, Don Manuel, or Manny, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, at 10:13 p.m., surrounded by his loving family in Bronxville, New York.

Born on December 24, 1928, in Dumaguete City, Philippines, Manuel spent his formative years in Cebu, a place he would continue to refer to fondly as "home" throughout his life. A Christmas Eve child, he was, in every sense, a gift to his family and to the world, blessing all who knew him with warmth, kindness, and light. At just twenty-one years old after finishing school, he embarked on a courageous journey by ship to the United States in search of a better life. He remained deeply devoted to his beloved parents, Federico Mercader and Socorro Garcia, and to his many cherished siblings Jesus, Salvador, Jose Mari, Rosario, Gabriel, Lourdes, Nenen, Immaculada, Antonio, Soccoro and Luis. Through hard work, perseverance, and faith, many of his siblings and their families would later join him in the country he came to love so deeply. He is survived by his sister, Rosario Mercader, affectionately referred to as Aling, who is retired and living in Dumaguete City in the Philippines.

In his early career, Manuel worked in management for San Miguel in Manila before departing the Philippines for the United States, a final stop on his path to a new life. He settled briefly in California before journeying cross-country by car to New York, where he would build his home, meet the love of his life, and raise a family. He was a loving and devoted husband and a doting father whose life centered on the care and happiness of those he loved most.

He was the devoted husband of Gladys Celeste Mercader, a gifted and accomplished pianist who traveled the world with the American Ballet Theater for nearly fifty years, performing at Lincoln Center and on stages across the globe. Manuel took immense pride in supporting her extraordinary career, ensuring she always shone in the spotlight she so richly deserved.

Manuel was the proud and loving father of Maria Carla Mercader, a lifelong journalist who rose through the ranks at CBS News from page to Emmy Award–winning producer and ultimately served as Director of Talent Strategy for CBS News. He is survived by his daughter Carmen Mercader Silverio, who worked for many years in New York in financial and insurance services before retiring to the Philippines. Finally, he is also survived by his son Manuel A. Mercader, an attorney in private practice in New York City, who continues to honor his father's legacy of kindness, integrity, intellect, and devotion to family and friends.

Professionally, Manuel built an illustrious career in international finance as a consultant for funding projects throughout Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. His intellect and global perspective were matched by his extraordinary gift for languages; he spoke seven conversationally, if not fluently, including three Filipino dialects along with Spanish, Japanese, Fukien, and French. He was deeply admired for his charm, poise, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

At home, he was the heart and patriarch of his family as a man of wisdom, generosity, and grace. His care of his wife and Maria was nothing short of inspirational, embodying the depth of love, patience, and strength that defined his life and character. He also carried through life a remarkable sense of wonder, a childlike curiosity and joy that made him endlessly endearing, even in his last days.

Manuel was known for his refined tastes and joyful spirit and was an excellent cook, engaging storyteller, and impeccable dresser with a love for big-band music, the theater, history, and nature. His humor and timing could light up any room. The joy of laughter was always present in the Mercader home.

He took great pride in his Filipino heritage, often sharing remarkable stories from his youth, including his experiences during World War II, which instilled in him a lifelong sense of resilience and gratitude. He carried that gratitude into his enduring love for the United States, whose liberation of the Philippines during the war inspired a patriotism that lasted his entire life. Above all, Manuel was a man of faith, steadfast, humble, and full of love. The family is deeply thankful for the outpouring of love and support from friends and loved ones, a reflection of the many lives Manuel touched with his warmth, generosity, and grace. He is now reunited in eternal peace with his beloved wife Gladys and daughter Maria, as they continue to watch over those they so dearly

Memorial Calling Hours : 4 to 7 pm, Tuesday, November 4, 2025