Manuel Diaz Rivas

May 4, 1924 - March 29, 2022

Manuel Diaz Rivas, age 97, of New Castle, DE, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Manuel was born in Corozal, PR, and came to DE in 1982. He proudly served with the 65th Infantry Army Regiment during WWII. After the war, he had a successful catering business. Manuel was a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and was a member of the choir. Manuel was a pragmatic person with a great sense of humor. He loved making people laugh with the jokes he told. Manuel enjoyed following boxing, baseball, and volleyball. Every day he could be found at the Howard Weston Senior Center shooting pool with his many friends. In 2014, after more than 70 years, his Army unit was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Most of all Manuel was a loving husband, father, and abuelo. He treasured his family and all the many memories they made together through the years. His positive outlook and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Manuel is survived by his daughters, Amparo Rivera and Maria Asion; grandchildren: Xavier Rivera (Vanessa), Saul Rivera, Stephanie Asion Boomershine (Matthew), and Michelle Asion Zeevering (Wayne); and great-grandchildren: Alexandria, Tristan, Adrian, Panos, Parker, Landon, and Lyra; and sister, Maria Medarda Diaz. He was preceded in death by his wife, Amparo Baeza, parents, Manuel Diaz Virella and Maria Medarda Rivas; son-in-law, Raymond Rivera; and 8 siblings. A visitation will be held Monday, April 18, 2022, from 9:30-10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 345 Bear Christiana Rd., Bear, DE 19701 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in DE Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com