Surrounded by family, Donald Felix Manzo, age 96, passed peacefully on December 16, 2022. Donald was born in a farmhouse in Gilroy, California, on May 14, 1926, to Luigi Manzo and Orsola Borello Manzo. He was the sixth of nine children: Irma, Lawrence, Clelia, John, Joe, Josephine, Margaret, and Vivian. Donald graduated from Gilroy Union High School in 1944. Later that year, he was drafted into the service, where Donald served as a Gunner's Mate, Third Class for the United States Navy. After WWII ended, Donald returned to Gilroy to farm prunes. During this time, he met his lifetime love, Rhoda Elia Plata, when her family came from Texas to pick fruit at his farm. They married shortly after that and raised four children.

Together Donald and Rhoda farmed, ran Manzo's Cherry Stand, and invested in real estate. In retirement, Donald helped run Rhoda's business, a popular daycare center many of Gilroy's youth attended. Both enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time in their Lake Tahoe home. Always most important was time spent with children and grandchildren.

Donald was a long-time member of the Gilroy Presbyterian Church. He was active in their Men's Groups and enjoyed weekly coffee with friends.

Donald leaves behind his devoted daughter, Diane, loyal sons, Donald, John (Cherie), and Lawrence (Dorothy), and adored grandchildren: Tyler, Kimberlee, Savannah, Donny, Joshua, Mei, Elia, Lili, Mallory, John, and Jordan. Donald also leaves many nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.

Graveside Services will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, Gilroy.  Due to the increase of contagious illnesses in our area, there will be no reception at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Susan G. Korman Breast Cancer Organization.