Mr. Manuel Virata

It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our beloved Manny. Manuel passed away on November 16, 2022. He was born July 3, 1944 in Washington, DC. He attended elementary and junior high there and graduated from Ballou High School in 1962. After a short stint in the Army, he worked and attended college. Graduating from Bowie State in 1972. Shortly after college he moved to Merritt Island, FL to pursue an amazing career with NASA in Personnel and Public Affairs. He had a wealth of knowledge about the Space Center and its operations. He toured statesmen, foreign dignitaries and in the "90's" was liaison to the movie crews and actors filming at Kennedy Space Center. He personally met and interacted with the likes of Tom Hanks, Jodi Foster, Bruce Willis and Clint Eastwood. During his days in recruiting, Manny hired an extraordinary group of hispanic engineers. They came here with their families to begin a whole new adventure for their lives. We quickly became family, too. That time of sharing was very special to us. Manny served the Florida College Placement Association (FCPA) for many years, helping young people begin their futures. He was a faithful member of the American Legion Post 332, serving in every office for over 20 years. Manny loved sports. He played football, softball and tennis over the years. He followed all sports, but his challenge was to see every college game aired. We smile. He loved going to the movies and playing cards with his buddies. But most of all he loved his family. He is survived by his wife Cathy of 52 years - daughter Angela Baker, husband Chris and granddaughter Addie - son Jonathan, his wife Michelle and grandchildren Nathan, Ava, Gavin and Ethan. His siblings Patsy, Ellie, Donna, Lucy and Roger are still with us. Many nieces and nephews will miss him terribly. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 3pm. Coastal Community Church, 5795 Falcon Blvd, Port St. John, FL, 32927. To honor Manny a donation may be sent to the charity of your choice. He was particularly fond of St. Jude, Shriners and Feeding America. Condolences may be made at mannyandcathy@gmail.com. Thank you to all that have sent their heartfelt prayers and concerns.

Mr. Manuel Virata

July 3, 1944 - November 16, 2022

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Mr. Manuel Virata

July 3, 1944 - November 16, 2022

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information