Manuel was born on January 03, 1935 in Ponce Puerto Rico to Monse and Goya Gracia. He lived in the town of Tibes until he was 19 yrs old when he moved to New York. This is where he met his bride Nelida "Nelly". They married in December 27, 1958. Emily, their first born child, was born in 1959. The family decided to move to Chicago, Il in 1961 where their second daugher, Nelly Beth was born 1966. The family tried a move to Manuel's hometown of Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1971. This move only lasted a year as the family headed back to Chicago where they lived for the next 24 years. During this time Manuel and Nelly became grandparents to Jackie, Lizette, Charlene, and Nicole. They also became great grandparents to Mariah, Asia and Osyais. Manuel loved to spend his summers at the lake with the family having picnics and, of course, fishing. When Manuel retired in 1997 the two fulfilled his wish of moving back to his hometown. They expanded Manuel's childhood home in Tibes and created their tropical paradise. Manuel planted an abundance of fruitful plants on the land surrounding the house. A day did not go by that he did not tend to the land. He was very proud of his farm. In 2006 Manuel was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. As a strong individual he continued to live his dream in Tibes until the disease had taken its toll on his body. This did not keep Manuel from seeing his grandchildren's graduations and catching his first shark in Key West, Fl. Manuel lived every day to the fullest. In June of 2011 Manuel and Nelly sailed their way to Orlando, Fl so Manuel could get more medical care and be close to family. On July 30, 2011 Manuel's life was taken by this disease. He will be missed by so many. Manny we love you and will miss you! The Godfather will never be forgotten. You are in our hearts forever and always.