Francisco Mendiola Manibusan ‘Papa’, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 surrounded by family. Survived by his one true love and wife of 67 years Lolla San Nicolas Manibusan ‘Gemma’, 9 children Frank (Barbara), Joseph (Jackie), Jesse, Jary (Karen), Jimmy (Alisa), Carmyn (Jimmy James), Antonia, Haley (Georzann) and Joey, 41 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, his sister Vickie and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Papa was our family’s Shepherd. He was a man of great faith and lived by following the teachings of the Almighty One True Shepherd, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He and Gemma are longtime parishioners at St. Joseph’s Basilica and before that, St. Barnabas Church. It was a family tradition on Sundays after Mass to meet for brunch at La Penca Azul, one of Papa’s favorite restaurants. He passed his faith onto his enormous flock, teaching us to love, respect and forgive each other.
Born and raised on the island of Guam, Papa enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. He was a true patriot and was honored to serve his country for 20 years. He retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1971. He made his home with his family in Alameda where Gemma’s parents (Granny and Grandpa) lived. He had tremendous admiration for Grandpa, also a true patriot who retired from the United States Navy after serving 20 years. Papa then worked as a mail carrier for the Alameda Post Office for another 20 years. People who lived on his route would often smile and say hello whenever they saw him around town. He also became a Real Estate Broker while working for the Post Office. He had a fierce determination to provide for his family along with an unfaltering work ethic.
Papa was also an avid Giants fan and a loyal 49er Faithful. Sundays during football season, Papa could always be found at home watching the Niner game. Win or lose, he never gave up on his beloved Niners.
Music was also a huge part of Papa’s life. Family gatherings often ended with one of the brothers playing guitar and everyone singing. When he went to God, music and singing filled the room as it had so many times before.
He did not go quietly into the night. In fact, he went fiercely by the light of day, instilling his love and faith in all of our hearts. Simply put, Francisco Manibusan will never be forgotten. We as a family will honor him forever. His light shines brightly in all those he left behind.
From the Ed Sheeran song Supermarket Flowers, “A life with love is a life that’s been lived…Spread your wings and I know, that when God took you back, he said Hallelujah, you’re home”. Long live Papa Manibusan! Forever and ever, amen.
A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held after it’s safe to gather again.
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