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MANFREDI -- Frank D. Manfredi - 91, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and dear friend, peacefully left us Tuesday Evening, December 11, 2007. Papa was a lifetime resident of New Mexico. He was born to immigrant parents, Alberto Manfredi and Beatrice Persiconi on October 2, 1916, in Dawson, New Mexico. Papa is survived by his wife, best friend, and soul mate of 59 years, Edith G. Manfredi. He also leaves sons, William Manfredi and wife, Shirley, Carl Manfredi and wife, Patti; grandchildren, Daphne Saragusa and husband, Kari, William Manfredi, Jr., and wife, Karla, Jana Manfredi, Damon Manfredi and wife, Ansley, Frank L. Manfredi, and Lily Manfredi: great-grandchildren, Natalie and Benjamin Saragusa, and Meadow Manfredi; brother, Albert Becchetti and wife, Arzie; sister-in-law, Etala Manfredi; and many nieces, nephews, trusted friends and caregivers. Papa was preceded in death by brother, James Manfredi; and sisters, Mary Rigoni and husband, Emelio, and Carrie Corazzi and husband, Primo. Papa grew up in Raton, NM, and played guard on the 1936 Raton "Tigers" High School State Champion basketball team. He later coached at St. Patrick's High School, in Raton. He served in the Army, stationed in the Pacific, during WWII. After the war, Papa moved to Albuquerque, to attend the University of New Mexico. He worked for the University Food Stores department as a butcher while attending school, and after graduating with a business degree, became the UNM Food Purchasing Agent. During that time, he managed and worked the University's concession stands for all the basketball and football games. Because of his hard work ethic, outstanding loyalty and dedication to UNM, he was promoted to Purchasing Agent. He worked in that capacity until his retirement in 1981. He received a gold retirement watch. Papa met his neighbor, Edith Norman, and asked her to tutor him in his university studies. They became great friends, and a romance blossomed. They married July 24, 1948. Papa literally married the "girl next door" and was the epitome of the perfect husband. Papa loved his wife, family, fishing and playing golf. He was a University Golf Association President and proud owner of two hole-in-one trophies. Papa was a builder. He built editions on homes he lived in, as well as editions and barns for relatives. He played an integral part as Purchasing Agent in the growth and building of the University of New Mexico from 1950 to 1981. He built lasting friendships, which have withstood the test of time. Papa was a cook. While at the University, if there was a steak-fry for any sporting event, Papa was the cook. He personally purchased, prepared and cooked thousands of steaks. The UNM Tucker and McGuire Golf Tournaments were his favorites. He always enlisted family and friends to help him. Papa was a survivor. He survived congestive heart failure at age 73. He survived small cell lung cancer at age 89. We will miss Papa's steaks, his "can do" attitude, his smile, his friendship, his genuine goodness, his wisdom, and his love. Visitation, Commemoration, and Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm, on Friday, December 14, 2007, in the Palm Chapel, of Daniels Family Funeral Services, 1100 Coal Avenue, SE. All are encouraged to come and share the goodness of his life. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 15, 2007, with Internment following at Fairview Memorial Park, 700 Yale, Blvd.SE. The family would like to thank all who have lifted Papa up in prayer during this difficult time. A special thank you is given to Linda and Randy, his caregivers, and the Ninth floor IC staff at Lovelace Downtown. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: UNM Foundation, MSC07 4260 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131 ATTENTION: UNM Presidential Program Services are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 1100 Coal Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800 www.danielsfuneral.com
        Published on: Sat December 15, 2007