Manny

Jose "Manny" Vergara of Algonquin passed away January 28, 2024.  Born August 27, 1947 to the late Candido and Celerina (Mena) Vergara.  Beloved husband of Wendy M. (Beckman) Vergara; loving father of Nicole Bonilla, Ellaine (Cassidy) Camarata, Amanda Bouchard, Jospeh Vergara, Jonathan Vergara, Emerald (Mark) Albunan, Vergel (Janice) Vergara, Vina Vergara Cabangal, Veronica (Richard) Franco, Maria Vilma (Raul) De Guzman and Estrellita (Francis) Cabreros; caring grandfather of Tessa Robbins, Diego Bonilla, Markus Bonilla, Maniyah Bonilla, Matthew Roberts, Sophie Roberts, Kian Camarata, Ariana Victoria Vergara, Shawn Kevin Franco, Angela Gabrielle Franco, Shana Louise Franco, Alessandria Rich Franco, Ricaella Vernadine De Guzman, Ralph Vren De Guzman, Randale Vince De Guzman, Lara Venice Vergara, Laurice Maxine Vergara, Neil Xebastian Zara, Prinze Cabreros. Neil Mckenzie Albunan, Neil Mckeon Albunan and Pia Maxene Albunan; fond brother of the late Estrellita Vergara (Tony) Ashby, Hector (Amelita) Vergara, Esperanza (Rodolfo) Casimina, Maria Fe (Arnolf) Zieschank, Mario (Christylita) Vergara, the late Defin Vergara, Crizaina Vergara and the late Arsenio Vergara  and sister in law Angelita Vergara.

Jose Emmanuel Mena Vergara AKA Emeng, Manny, and Diko. Jose was pogi (handsome) and enjoyed attention from the ladies! Manny married Wendy on Feb. 14, 2004. He was family oriented and loved having his children and grandchildren all together. He supported both children and grandchildren in numerous ways - attending all their athletics and bragging to anyone who would listen about their accomplishments. He loved attending their school plays, playing in the park, and going out fishing on his boat. Manny also enjoyed cooking and had quite a reputation as a 5-star chef at home. He would prepare dinner every evening for the family.

Manny had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed trying to make people laugh! He had a larger-than-life personality and was beloved by all who knew him.

Although he traveled all over the world as a Seamen - he never actually took a real vacation. Manny and Wendy went on his first real vacation together to the Wisconsin Dells in 2003. Manny enjoyed sending balikbayan boxes to his children and grandchildren in the Philippines during Christmas time. He was always very generous with his family and made sure everyone knew how much he loved them. Manny had a BA in electrical engineering. He worked for Manila Chronical as a child, then became a seaman cook and finally ended his career as a caregiver for Pioneer Center. He retired in 2008 and enjoyed cooking, going to the casinos to fill out his bag with money, visiting with family, caring for his father-in-law succumbed, mother-in-law, and Aunt (through marriage) and taking the occasional vacation. He to diabetes after a long and courageous battle. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, wife, and friends.

Please join us Saturday May 11, 2024 for a memorial visitation from 1-6pm at Cardinal Funeral Home 7715 US 14 Crystal Lake IL 60012. Prayers and a time to share will begin at 4pm.