Manuel Jose Mancillas

Mancillas, Manuel Jose

Manuel Jose Mancillas, 48, of Albuquerque New Mexico, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, due to natural causes.

Manuel was born on October 25th, 1974, to Christine DuPriest and Dennis Mancillas in San Diego, California. After getting his GED, Manuel enlisted with the Marines in March 1993 and was honorably discharged.

He decided to pursue his passion for cooking and in 2011 he received his degree in culinary arts. He was an amazing chef, even if he left a mess in the kitchen behind him while cooking, and thoroughly enjoyed trying out new dishes and experimenting with food.

Manuel is survived by his children: Victor, Liliana, Stella, Anthony, Manuel, Roman, his fiancé Prestina (and her son Donovan), his mother Christine DuPriest, his stepdad Will DuPriest, his father Dennis Mancillas, his stepmother Sharon Mancillas; his brothers (and their respective families) Anthony Mancillas, Michael Mancillas, and his sister Megan DuPriest.

He touched so many lives as a dedicated father, son, brother, friend, and fiancé. He will always be remembered for his wit, his humble willingness to support his family and friends, his inappropriate jokes, his passion for food, and his infectious laughter. One of his most favorite places was amongst his family and friends, and he always wished that he could have everyone all together.

He was never one for sentiment or religion, but he respected everyone else's beliefs. He can likely be found cooking some fancy meals in Heaven with his Grandma Ana, Grandpa Robert, Grandma Stella, and Aunt Terri. Or expect to find a bunch of loyal dogs passed out at his feet while he is fishing or watching a horror movie or a kung fu movie. He would want you to know that if he owes you a drink, and if you can find him in Heaven, he will gladly buy you one, and to absolutely have a drink or two to remember him.

This family will never be the same without him, and neither will anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a contribution to the GoFundMe page that was set up by his family, to assist with any immediate expenses.

Pardon me for not getting up - Kelly Roper

Oh dear, if you’re reading this right now,

I must have given up the ghost.

I hope you can forgive me for being.

Such a stiff and unwelcoming host.

Just talk amongst yourself my friends,

And share a toast or two.

For I am sure you will remember well

How I loved to drink with you.

Don’t worry about mourning me,

I was never easy to offend.

Feel free to share a story at my expense,

And we’ll have a good laugh at the end.