Manuel Vazquez — known lovingly as Jesus, Manny, or as many called him, "Chu" — passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at the age of 86. Born in Puerto Rico on June 11, 1939, he began his life with humble roots and a brave heart that led him to New York in search of opportunity. Eventually, he found not just opportunity but true community and belonging in Hammonton, New Jersey, the small town he proudly called home for more than half his life.

Manuel built more than a career in carpentry — he built connections. He had a gift for entering a home to fix a space and leaving it filled with laughter, warmth, and new friendships. His toolbox was full, but so was his heart. He never hesitated to help, and his generosity extended far beyond the walls he repaired. He retired from Ancora after many dedicated years, but his hands never stopped working for anyone who needed help.

Also, as a devout Catholic, he served for many years at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish. His love for music, led him to become a part of the chorus by singing and playing instruments with the community he became a part of.

His passion for serving others naturally led him to the Puerto Rican Civic Club, where he was a proud and active member for over 40 years. The Civic Club was one of Manuel's greatest joys. It was where he lived his culture out loud — through food that reminded him of home, lively dominos games, the music that moved his spirit, and the Puerto Rican flag he carried in his heart. There, he was in his element: lifting people's spirits, offering help, and sharing stories and jokes that left everyone laughing, often more himself laughing before the punchline even hit.

To know Manuel was to have a story about him — a moment where he touched your life in a way that still brings a smile. His memory lives on in each of those moments, in every person he helped, every laugh he sparked, and every home he warmed with his presence.

Manuel was deeply devoted to his family, the true center of his world. His devotion of love proceeded beyond measures to his family. The Acevedo Family, Sanchez Family, Valentine Family, Rodriguez Family, Mercado Family, and his very own Vazquez Family, all shared a special place in his heart. And just as deeply, he cherished the family he built through the Puerto Rican Civic Club — a family bound not by blood but by culture, friendship, and service.

He is survived by his brother, Leonides Vazquez; his daughters, Lylliam Vazquez and Marilyn Torres Vazquez; and his sons, Ronald Vazquez and Anthony Vazquez. He leaves behind his grandchildren Kenialy, Marlene, Alberto Jr., Ashley, Clarissa, and Ronald Jesus; his great-grandchildren Diamond, Aveion, Kevin, and Valeria; and his great-great grandson, Myles.

He is reunited in heaven with his mother, Aleja Acevedo, his father Emiliano Vasquez, his Aunt Casilda Acevedo, his Aunt Carmela Rodriguez, his granddaughter, Sujeit Carmona and his grandson Larabi Carmona.

Manuel's love was immense, his kindness unmeasurable, and his presence unforgettable. We honor him today by carrying forward what he gave so freely: laughter, compassion, culture, and community. And in the stories, we share and the memories we hold close, Manuel "Chu" Vazquez will forever remain alive in our hearts.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, 11:00 am at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third St., Hammonton, NJ 08037, where a viewing will be held from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hammonton, NJ.