John Remo Manuel

John Remo Manuel, 84, of College Place, WA passed away at his home on April 10, 2012
He was born on November 7, 1927 in Walla Walla, WA to Edna Mae Ziska & Remo John Magnoni. As a teenager, John served his country during World War II in the US Navy. He refueled planes on the USS Saratoga in the Pacific theater. During the performance of that duty, he was blown off the flight deck of the carrier and was picked up by a trailing destroyer. Although John lost his mother when he was only 2, it is our belief she has always watched over him.

John was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Walla Walla, WA where he began his employment at the VA Hospital. Through hard work and dedication, he retired as Chief Plumber at the VA. After retiring from the VA, John started putting in lawn sprinkling systems. John’s sprinkling system business was small, but his generosity was large in putting in systems for his family, Catholic Schools, his church, and local ball fields. Although John only had an eighth grade education, he was a big proponent of education and served many terms on the Walla Walla Catholic School Board & St. Francis of Assisi Parish and Finance Councils.

John’s dedication to his wife of 56 years was evident in the home he rebuilt for her, his patience with her hobbies and that he made her well being his top priority. John was a member of the VFW, Elks, and Knights of Columbus. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also took great pleasure in growing a garden every year that provided corn, tomatoes, raspberries and various other vegetables to friends, family and neighbors all summer long.

He is survived by his wife, Julia B. Manuel of College Place, WA; his daughters Cindy Jackson of Eugene, OR; Lorraine A. Manuel of College Place, WA; Janet M. Manuel of Walla Walla, WA; Theresa Barker of College Grove, TN; Thomas R Magnoni of Umatilla, Or. He is further survived by his grandchildren Dana, John, Henry, and Crystal, one great grandchild, Madelyn Mae, and his siblings Genida Purcell and Ray Manuel both of College Place, WA and several nieces & nephews.

The Rosary will be recited at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla at 6:00 PM on Monday, April 16, 2012 with Sister Sharon Bonjiorno officiating. The Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 with Father Patrick Kerst, Celebrant. Memorial donations may be made to the Walla Walla Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance Fund, Walla Walla Community Hospice or Veteran’s organizations through the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Hospice, VA staff, Veteran Support groups, Angie’s Angels and local medical workers who were all instrumental in making John’s final months more comfortable.