SFC Thogarma Manuel Manzo (Ret)

SFC. Thogarma Manuel Manzo, ‟Toty”, passed on to be with the Lord on the morning of Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Fayetteville, N.C. He was born on September 27, 1973, in Guayaquil, Ecuador to Elena Maria Esparza and Jose Isaias Manzo. 

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 20 years and completed four deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He enjoyed the outdoors, shooting, swimming, riding his Harley, working out and cherished spending time with his two sons. He won the hearts of many friends and colleagues throughout his life with his jovial demeanor, bright smile and wittiness. 

He also won the hearts of his beloved brother and sister, Israel Manzo and Elena Schmitt, by raising them alongside their mother and earning him the title of father, in their eyes. They both looked up to him for guidance, advice, direction and he has taken a piece of their heart with him to heaven. 

He was his mother’s treasured first-born child whom she also looked up to for many years becoming a source of strength and support for her throughout very difficult times. His hard work, dedication and sacrifices contributed towards his brother and sister going on to become college graduates and to form beautiful families of their own. One day, she will reunite with her beloved baby boy and reattach the piece of her spirit that he took with him to heaven. 

SFC. Manzo is survived by his two sons, Leo and Isaiah. His sons know that this is not the final goodbye but an, “I’ll see you later.”, for they know that they will be reunited with their beloved father in heaven. He leaves traces of him in his sons such as his beautiful brown eyes in Leo and his wittiness and jovial spirit in Isaiah. 

He is also survived by his parents, his siblings Israel Manzo, Elena Schmitt, Sarah Manzo, Priscilla Manzo, Joseph Manzo and nieces and nephews. 

Until we meet him again in the Lord’s glory, he will be immensely missed by all of those he leaves behind and as always, paving the way for the rest of his siblings so that the light that he shines, helps them find their way back home. 

Therefore, during this difficult moment, we can all find comfort in knowing that in Isaiah 41:10, the Lord has commanded us to not fear, for He is with us, to not be dismayed for He is our God. He will strengthen us and help us and will uphold us with His righteous right hand.

Funeral Services with Full Military Honors will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, December 28, 2024 at LaFayette Funeral Home Chapel, 6651 Raeford Road Fayetteville, NC 28304.