Manuel Francis Obituary

Our beloved Manuel "Manny" Francis joined the love of his life, Elvie, in heaven on Friday, Sept 8, 2023. He was heartbroken when Elvie passed away on May 7, 2023, as they were planning their 50th Wedding Anniversary in October. Manny was born on June 3, 1943 to Carmella and Manuel Francis in Jamaica, New York. He was raised with the love and care of close family and the cherished Gallo Family. Manny was a patriot at heart and enlisted to the US Air Force after high school. He quickly developed an affinity towards aviation electronics, which led to his advancement to Tech Sergeant in his 21 year USAF career, then to his similar role in his 25 years at Honeywell. Manny said his core was being a Veteran, however, his true passion was his beloved Elvie. Manny met Elvie in England, while he was stationed there and while Elvie was in nursing school. They were married on October 29, 1973 and will celebrate their 50th Anniversary in heaven together. Manny had an incredible zest for life and loved to gather family, sing and dance. He truly embodied the "dance like nobody's watching" life. . . however, he wanted everyone to watch! He lived to see his Elvie's big bright smile and loved to get Elvie, his family and friends laughing and dancing. In Manny and Elvie's retirement chapter of life, they took great pleasure in their many travels on cruises to Alaska, Mexico, Panama Canal, as well as their favorite resort spots in Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Sedona Manny is survived by his daughter Elaine; his sons Peter, Raymond, Brian and Kevin; his eleven grandchildren: Elysia, Joseph, Joshua, Chris, Ryan, Jay, Shaunice, Nathan, Troy, Maisara, Rasheed; Sister: Rita; Cousins: Jim, Jeff, Joanne, Dot, Linda; along with other extended family and many caring friends. Manny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elvie, his mother and father, Carmella Lirio and Manuel Francis, his sister, Linda, his brother, Billy, his granddaughter Mahira Francis and extended family. The funeral service for Manny will be presided by his cousin, Deacon Jeff Penta, at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027, on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Visitation will begin at 9:00am, followed by service at 10:00am, then lunch reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made in Manny's honor, to The Alzheimer's Association: www. alz. org