Renato "Rene" Santos Manansala

Renato is survived by his three children: Lorena Meronoff, Ronald Manansala, and Melissa Minas. He has four grandchildren: Michelle Benedito, Madeline Achuela, Melanie Minas, and Marcus Minas.

His wife, Lourdes Bernal Manansala, predeceased him three months earlier in 2022. They were married for 57 years.

He was born in Marikina, Rizal, Philippines, the middle child of three children. His parents were Felipe Coronel Manansala and Amparo Santos Manansala. His elder brother was the late Juanito (“Johnny”) Manansala and his younger sister, Celia M. San Jose, survives him.

He was an extremely proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he dutifully served his country for 27 years. He decided to enlist with the U.S. Navy in 1962, as a young man in the Philippines. His early assignment was as a ship's steward (Chef) for his commanding officer. At about this time, he met and became engaged to Lourdes. He left his siblings, his vast extended family, and Lourdes behind. He returned to marry Lourdes in August 1964 and soon after he brought her and his baby daughter, Lorena, to start a new life in the U.S. and to grow and raise a family. His son, Ronald and daughter, Melissa were born soon after that. There were several duty stations he was assigned and moved his family accordingly: Coronado, CA, Pensacola, FL, Mayport, FL, Annapolis, MD and San Diego, CA. His main job in the Navy was a Security Officer on various assigned Navy ships and Shore Patrol when stationed on base. He was able to rise in rank to a Chief Warrant Officer during his military career

Renato was fortunate to see the world during his military career, in addition to being stationed in several U.S. cities. During his career, he travelled to different ports in Europe (especially the Mediterranean Sea), Japan (Yokuska), Australia (Sydney) and the Indian Ocean (Diego Garcia). The Navy afforded him the ability to travel almost anywhere in the world, including to his homeland, the Philippines. Renato was even able to climb Mt. Fuji in Japan.

Although Renato enjoyed his career, he still dreamed of earning a college degree. Education was a priority to him and he made sure all his children graduated from college. Renato was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in April 1989. Prior to his discharge, Renato earned his Bachelor of Public Adminstration degree, with emphasis in Criminal Justice Administration on April 1986. Just 16 months later, he received his Master of Science degree in Forensic Sciences on August 1987. These were accomplishments that Renato was extremely proud of, aside from his successful military career.

He loved music and loved to dance. He taught himself to play the violin, guitar, mandolin and piano. He was involved in the California Swing Dance events and was also an instructor. He loved to sing karaoke. He enjoyed watching boxing fights on TV. He loved fishing for mackerel at the Imperial Beach pier and getting together with his "fishing buddies". He loved to cook and tend to his garden at home. He enjoyed eating out at Chinese buffets. He took pride in being an American and being a “Yankee Doodle Dandy” since he was born on the Fourth of July.

Renato deeply loved and cared for his family. He was very dedicated and loyal to them. He never stopped corresponding by mail to Lourdes during their long distance engagement and continued corresponding with her during his long absences while overseas on duty. He did the same for all his children whenever he was away. He would come home any chance he could and loved to spoil his family with gifts and souvenirs he collected during his travels to other countries. He enjoyed family get-togethers and seeing his children and grandchildren grow up. His children and grandchildren will miss him and they will always have fond memories of him.

A visitation and Rosary vigil for Renato will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at El Camino Memorial Chapel, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. A Funeral Liturgy and committal service will occur Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 12:00 PM at El Camino Memorial Park, Chapel of the Bells, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Manansala family.