Emmanuel S De La Paz

Emmanuel (Manny) Santos De La Paz, 88, peacefully passed away at the family’s home in Edison, New Jersey, on August 14, 2024. He was born in Malabon, Philippines on September 12, 1935 to Rosalina Santos and Gonzalo De La Paz. He was the eldest of three children, brother Rogelio De La Paz and is survived by sister, Lydia Trinidad. On June 18, 1960 he married Nora Rellosa De La Paz at Central Church in Ermita, Manila, Philippines. After Manny and Nora’s first three children were born in Manila, Philippines, the family immigrated to the United States for Manny to continue his studies in accounting, and their fourth child was born in New Jersey.

Manny lived a life of faithful service to the Church. The early years of his life in the Philippines were deeply formed by his family’s involvement in the church – from a young age Manny was sharing sermonettes within the congregation. He was always social and loved making connections with people. Manny was a dedicated member of many church communities in the Philippines, Pennsylvania, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. For more than 30 years, Manny was a faithful member of the New Dover United Methodist Church in Edison, New Jersey. 

He was wondrously creative and had an eye for spotting beauty in the world around him. He loved finding beautiful things and creating beautiful things. He could often be found folding napkins into swans for dinner gatherings and arranging flowers freshly cut from the garden. His Christmas trees were always uniquely themed and elaborately decorated. He loved to spend time outside in the garden. Manny loved music and could often be found singing, and even in the later years of his life, humming hymns that brought him peace. 

His spirit that rejoiced in finding and creating beautiful things in the world reflected his deep love of God and for the Church – this will be what we continue to treasure in our hearts and remember about Manny; our loving Husband, Father, Lolo (Grandfather), Brother, and Friend.

He is survived by his wife, Nora Rellosa De La Paz, children Sharon Rose De La Paz Gray (Dan Gray; stepson, Chris Gray), Samuel Francisco De La Paz (Winnie Gomez), Emmanuel Rellosa De La Paz (Suzanne De La Paz), Benjamin Gonzalo De La Paz (Jennifer De La Paz), and three grandchildren, Elena, Sam, and Layla. 

Memorial service August 19, 2024 7:00pm New Dover United Methodist Church

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