Manuel Francisco Espinoza

Manuel Francisco Espinoza, affectionately known as "Panchito", peacefully passed away at the age of 101 on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 2:40 a.m. in Miami, Florida in the company of his loving family. He was the second youngest of seven children.

Born on July 13, 1923 in Ferreñafe, Peru, Manuel grew up with his grandmother who he deeply cherished. He served in the military and worked in his godfather's bakery where he learned to make bread. He moved to Lima as an adult where he started his family and worked in construction. He immigrated to Miami in 1993 at the age of 70, where he joined his sisters, nephews and nieces, children, and grandchildren.

Manuel was known for his great sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around him and his ability to make friends wherever he went. Family meant everything to him. He loved spending time with his children and calling his family and friends to chat. He also enjoyed watching soccer and boxing, going on long walks outside, reading, and cooking.

Anyone who knew Manuel would agree he was incredibly healthy for his age. He was still walking up until the end of his life. Everyone would be surprised to find out how old he actually was and he relished the attention he would get because of this. They all wanted to know what his secret was. Possibly, it was the home cooked meals he enjoyed eating, especially dishes from northern Peru. Or perhaps, it was not stressing about little things and instead finding humor wherever he could. Or maybe, it was his determination to stay active, which motivated him through physical therapy at 96 after a fall to be able to walk again.

Manuel is predeceased by his six siblings, Julio, Jose, Petronila, Dora, Renee, and Esther.

Manuel is survived by his children, Manuel Espinoza, Gilda Maldonado (Victor), Judith Merchan (Jorge), Lourdes Rojas (Richard), Laura Prida (Ernesto), Melissa Espinoza, and Christian Espinoza; his grandchildren Brian Maldonado, Leslie Maldonado (Andy), Jorge Merchan, Eric Merchan, Vanessa Rojas (Miguel), Jacklyn Rojas, Kelly Prida, and Ernest Prida; and his great-grandchildren, Dairyn, Alex, Katherine, and Mateo.

His presence will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.

A visitation for Manuel will be held Monday, August 26, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 11:59 PM at Caballero Rivero Sunset, 7355 SW 117 Ave, Miami, FL 33183. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172. An internment will occur Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 10:45 AM to 10:50 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172.

Manuel Francisco Espinoza, cariñosamente conocido como "Panchito", falleció a la edad de 101 años el miércoles 21 de agosto de 2024, a las 2:40 a.m. en Miami, Florida, en compañía de su querida familia. Era el penúltimo de siete hermanos.

Nacido el 13 de julio de 1923 en Ferreñafe, Perú, Manuel se crió con su abuela, a quien quería profundamente. Hizo el servicio militar y trabajó en la panadería de su padrino, donde aprendió a hacer pan. De adulto se trasladó a Lima, donde empezó su familia y trabajó en la construcción. Emigró a Miami en 1993 a la edad de 70 años, donde se reencontró con sus hermanas, sobrinos, hijos y nietos.

Manuel era conocido por su gran sentido del humor que alegraba a todos los que le rodeaban y su capacidad para hacer amigos dondequiera que fuera. La familia era muy importante para él. Le encantaba pasar tiempo con sus hijos y llamar a su familia y amigos para conversar. También le gustaba ver el fútbol y el boxeo, caminar, leer y cocinar.

Cualquiera que conociera a Manuel estaría de acuerdo en que estaba increíblemente saludable para su edad. Siguió caminando hasta el final de su vida. Todo el mundo se sorprendía al saber cuántos años tenía en realidad y él disfrutaba con la atención que recibía por esto. Todos querían saber cuál era su secreto. Posiblemente, las comidas caseras que le gustaban, especialmente los platos del norte de Perú. O quizás era que no se estresaba por las cosas pequeñas y en cambio encontraba el humor siempre que podía. O tal vez, era su determinación para mantenerse activo, lo que le motivó a través de la terapia física a los 96 años después de una caída para poder caminar de nuevo.

A Manuel le precedieron sus seis hermanos: Julio, José, Petronila, Dora, Renee y Esther.

Le sobreviven sus hijos Manuel Espinoza, Gilda Maldonado (Victor), Judith Merchan (Jorge), Lourdes Rojas (Richard), Laura Prida (Ernesto), Melissa Espinoza y Christian Espinoza; sus nietos Brian Maldonado, Leslie Maldonado (Andy), Jorge Merchan, Eric Merchan, Vanessa Rojas (Miguel), Jacklyn Rojas, Kelly Prida y Ernest Prida; y sus bisnietos Dairyn, Alex, Katherine y Mateo.

Su familia y todos los que tuvieron el placer de conocerle echarán mucho de menos su presencia, pero su espíritu seguirá vivo en los corazones de todos los que le querían.

Una visitación para Manuel se llevará a cabo el lunes 26 de agosto de 2024 de 4:00 PM a 11:59 PM en Caballero Rivero Sunset, 7355 SW 117 Ave, Miami, FL 33183. Una misa funeral se llevará a cabo el martes 27 de agosto de 2024 de 9:30 AM a 10:30 AM en Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172. El entierro será el martes 27 de agosto de 2024 de 10:45 AM a 10:50 AM en Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172.