Manuel Araiza, a beloved partner, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend passed away on January 29th, 2025 at the age of 83.

Manny loved his family immensely and was proud of his Mexican heritage. Manny loved fishing and showing off his prized catches and displaying them proudly. Manny loved Da Bears and wore his Chicago Bears attire every Sunday while cheering them on to a few winning seasons. After retiring from the Will County Highway Department 19 years ago, Manny loved traveling with his loving partner, Shirley, and they literally saw the world, which included trips to England, Italy, France and Spain as well as many trips to New York City where they enjoyed good food and live shows. They also frequently traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where we believe that Manny was a secret celebrity. Manny was in his element while in Mexico and knew everyone everywhere. Manny made connections with everyone that he met, no matter where he was and had many friends.

Manny had a great laugh that made you want to laugh along with him and he enjoyed dressing up, which to Manny was a comfortable shirt with a colorful design. Manny enjoyed activities of daily life which included eating good food, his favorite being meatballs; morning card games with Shirley as each of them tried to outdo the other; watching classic movies while lounging in his recliner and a table full of snacks; going to the movie theater to see a first release and receiving lots of love from the family dogs. Lastly, Manny was a master of storytelling and could tell the best fish tale that grew bigger and bigger and bigger every time he told it.

Manny is survived by his loving partner of 32 years, Shirley Japlon; his sons David Araiza and Dominic (Kaela) Araiza; his daughters Francine Araiza Crain and Camille Araiza plus Kathy (David) Ostrander, Ken (Chris) Japlon, Jeff (Vicky) Japlon and Jim (Lina) Japlon; 12 grandchildren plus 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his sisters Margaret and Anita; his brother Michael; his former wife Maryann and many nieces and nephews.

Manny is preceded in death by his parents, Paz and Micaela; brothers Jesse and Raul; sisters Anastasia, Aurelia and Rachel; his son Dennis Araiza.

Manny's legacy will live on through his family and friends and he will be truly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., located at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium, 530 West Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440. His funeral mass will proceed directly after the visitation located at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 440 East Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440. Private Interment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.