Manuel Rafanan Raras Jr.
Obituary
Manuel Rafanan Raras, Jr., passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, lovingly surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dora Lee, and his 4 children: Manuel Raras III (Darian); Nita Desrosiers (Mark); Nichelle King (Stephen); and Louann Raras. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Whitmore, 17 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Manuel and Nancy Raras; by his sisters, Lorraine and Alicia; his brother, Mario; and his granddaughter, Hope Desrosiers.
Manuel, also known as "Junior" to family and "Manny" to friends, was born in Salinas and raised in Gonzales. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1960.
After high school he began his career in construction engineering and ultimately worked for the City of Salinas as a construction inspector until his retirement.
Manuel loved sports and was actively involved with Youth Athletics. He was an Assistant Coach with Pop Warner Football. He coached Little League baseball and Bobby Sox softball. He always said his goal was to make sure the players learned the fundamentals of the sport.
"Manny" enjoyed the outdoors, taking the family in his prized motorhome to various state and national parks, and visiting his mother's birthplace, the Tohono O'Odham Reservation. In later years, Manuel and Dora Lee were blessed to travel abroad.
Manuel was known for his off-beat sense of humor which endeared him to friends, close relatives and, in particular, his grandchildren. He was proud of the fact that all his children obtained a college education. It is his legacy that he deeply loved his wife, children and grandchildren and that they loved him in return.
Services will be held on September 12, 2025, at St. Joseph's Church in Spreckels, CA. A rosary will be conducted at 10:30 am, followed by a Mass at 11:00 am. A reception will immediately follow the church services. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven cemetery.
Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
Published in King City Rustler and Salinas Valley Tribune · July 16, 2025