Manuel Figueroa

Manuel Alberto Figueroa was born on January 18, 1937, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, to Louis Manuel Figueroa and Ramonita Santaella Rodriguez. He died August 14, 2025. He was the kind of man who led not by demand but by example, and whose love was quietly constant. Manuel earned a master’s degree in business administration and accounting from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. He went on to become a Certified Internal Auditor. Following graduation, Manuel began his career at Saks Fifth Avenue Headquarters in New York City, serving as Assistant to the Chief Accountant. After two years, he was drafted into the United States Army and sent to basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. Recognized for his intellect and fluency in Caribbean Spanish, he was recruited into the United States Army Security Agency (ASA). At Fort Devens in Massachusetts, Manuel trained in communications and typing before being stationed at Fort McHenry in Maryland. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was sent to Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida, where he was part of a task force that intercepted and decoded Cuban military communications. These translations were sent directly to President John F. Kennedy, who later visited the base and praised the team: "Job well done." Though invited to enter Officer Training School, Manuel chose to return to civilian life, resuming his work with Sax Fifth Avenue. Manuel was later recruited by Exxon as an Internal Auditor, traveling extensively throughout Europe. Following his retirement from Exxon, he was recruited by Dole Foods, where he brought his skills to South America ensuring operations met the highest standards. Manuel shared a deep and enduring bond with his beloved wife, Elsie. Together, they retired in the Orlando, Florida area enjoying time with her sister & brother-in-law Nivea & Mario Guevara Sr. Along with their children Mario Jr & Wife Maria Guevara (children - Gabriela and Nicolas). His niece Ingrid & husband Brett Van Alstyne (children - Mia and Samara). His nephew & wife David & Marie Figueroa (Children – Alex & Devin). Manuel Alberto Figueroa is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Elsie Figueroa; his brothers, Louis Figueroa and Ralph Rodriguez; his sister Isabelle Rodriguez; his sister- in- law Nivea Guevara and his nephew David Figueroa. He is survived by his aunts Gloria Santaella & Daisy Hernandez, cousin Alicia Carmen Berrios; sisters Millie Davis (children - Debbie & husband Paul Gray, Bobbi Davis, Jodi & husband Chad Haschke), Nita and husband Rick Duenas (children - Rebecca & husband Manual & Erika) and Susan Rodriquez; Marie Figuroa (children – Alex & Devon); his best friend and brother-in-law Mario Guevara Sr; his nephew Mario Guevara Jr. and wife Maria (children - Gabriela and Nicolas); his niece Ingrid and husband Brett Van Alstayne (children - Mia and Samara); His brother-in-law Silvio Antonio & wife Gladys Rodriguez (children – Steven, Lisa & Dana); His nephew Giovanni & Marlene Chiarella (Child – Lola); and many other great nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who cherished him. He may have left this world, but his presence lives on in every story, every lesson and every heart he touched.

Manuel Figueroa

January 18, 1937 - August 14, 2025