Florante "Ronnie" Manuel

Born, March 7, 1938, PhilippinesDied, January 8, 2024, Cumming, Georgia Florante "Ronnie" Manuel, 85, died peacefully in Cumming, Georgia with his wife by his side, holding his hand, until his last breath. Ronnie was born in the Philippines and raised by his parents, Dimasalang and Rosario, in the town of Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines. Ronnie graduated from the University of the East in Manila. He immigrated to the United States in 1968 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1974. Having settled in Northern Virginia, he opened a small Filipino grocery store. Simultaneously, he became a Certified Public Accountant and joined the Federal Government in 1984, beginning as a staff accountant, earning a promotion to supervisor and then branch chief, and eventually retiring after 25 years of service of public service. When he wasn't enjoying sinigang, lumpia, lechon, or McDonald's, he was humming classic American songs from Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and the Everly Brothers. Ronnie danced the cha-cha, cared for his grandpuppies, loved action movies and old Westerns, rooted for the Washington Redskins, and believed in the value of quiet hard work. Ronnie's love, kindness, and loyalty to friends and family will always be remembered. He was forever proud of his children, touting them as “his greatest accomplishment.” Ronnie's most enduring legacy is his extended family spread across the country. He was the first in the Manuel family to come to America and blazed the trail for his loved ones in the Philippines to follow. Much of the prosperity and success his family enjoys today can be directly attributed to Ronnie's undying love and support. Ronnie married his long-time friend, Lolita and became a wonderful step-father to Jennifer and grandfather "Lolo" to Lolita's grandchildren. Ronnie and Lolita moved to Georgia where they spent nearly a decade living a life of fun, laughter, and fulfillment. Ronnie is pre-deceased by his parents and his oldest sister, Lydia. He is survived by his wife, Lolita Manuel, his children, Russell, Randy, Frances, and Ronald, from a previous marriage and their spouses, eleven grandchildren, his younger brother Jaime ("James"), his younger sister Elvira ("Baby"), and all of his nieces and nephews. Always one to give and serve, yet never wanting anything in return or to impose on anyone, in typical Ronnie fashion, there are no services planned. A celebration of his life will occur with details to be determined. In lieu of flowers or gifts to the Manuel family, we encourage you to donate to the following charities below in Ronnie's name, or to any deserving charity of your choice. Alzheimer's AssociationAmerican Diabetes Association The family invites you to the Celebration of Life Mass for Florante "Ronnie" Manuel on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11:00 am. It will be held at St. Ann Parish, 5300 North 10th Street, Arlington, Virginia. It will be officiated by Father John.