Manuel Vildasol Cisneros, (69) a native of Somerton, Arizona passed away on July 23, 2020.
Manuel was lovingly raised, the only son of immigrant parents, Genoveva and Manuel Cisneros.
After enrolling at Arizona Western College, Manuel went on to complete his undergraduate studies in Political Science at Stanford University (1971).
Inspired to advocate for Latino rights, Manuel began his studies for a Juris Doctorate at Harvard University. His progress toward that degree was cut short when he experienced a life-threatening accident. Manuel recuperated, enrolled at the UC Berkeley School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1984.
Manuel has had an active career in both public sector work in California and Arizona and political organizing in Arizona. He served as a Community Coordinator for Public Health for the City and County of San Francisco; he worked as the City Clerk and Treasurer of the City of Somerton, Arizona and he was the City Magistrate and Assistant City Manager in the City of San Luis, Arizona. He fondly remembered how he was the only City Magistrate who could conduct hearings and marriages in Spanish! He was appointed by Governor Napolitano to direct the Executive Office of Equal Opportunity and most recently he was the Director of the Arizona Fair Housing Office.
Manny dedicated a significant portion of his life to organizing for the Democratic Party.
He started as a district precinct committeeman, was elected Chairman of the Maricopa County Democratic Party and Chairman of LD #26. He was awarded “District Chairman of the Year’, elected Affirmative Action Coordinator for the AZ Democratic Party, and was a Convention delegate in 1996 and 2000.
Manny was a passionate advocate for Latino rights: voting, language, education, access, fair housing. He was selfless, generous with his time, and humble. He always remembered his roots.
Manuel is survived by his forever wife, Beatriz; sons José and Daniel.
A memorial service will be held after shelter in place is lifted.
May the blessings of all his family and friends be with him always.
Que en paz descanse.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Bobbie Bright
Beatriz, so sorry for your loss. May memories comfort you.
Sincerely, your former Orange Blossom Lane neighbors and walkers,
Bobbie Bright and Duane Eckelberg
Gil Cano
RIP my Friend. You are an inspiration to those who knew you, especially Me. May God bless you and may He bless all your family and friends with good Health, Love and Happiness. I pray for your continued guidance and to follow your example.
George THORNE
Very very sad news. Manuel (Manny) was a was a colleague – a valued / relied-upon advisor to me…but more importantly, he was my friend for over 20 years. He was kind and compassionate – and a strong advocate for those areas that he felt deeply committed to like human rights, education, fair housing to mention a few. I will miss Manny, rest in peace my friend.
Michelle Davidson
Manny was always such a kind and helpful person – I worked with him when he was Chair of the Maricopa County Dems and when he worked for Governor Napolitano. He was always smiling and gave great hugs. I am so saddened that he has passed and wish his family and friends peace and comfort at this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.
Bill Thomson
Has anyone ever met a more delightful person than Manny?
One striking example–we watched the 2016 election returns together, and as I was becoming more and more depressed, he was actually able to cheer me up, noting that I now lived in Arizona. That from the former head of the Maricopa Democratic Party.
We will miss the many wonderful times we had together with Beatriz and Manny–the ballet, the DBG Luminarias, and many others.
My heartfelt condolences to Beatriz, José and Daniel.
Kate and Hank Timmerman
Dear Beatriz, Jose and Danny,
Our hearts are heavy for all of you. Manny was a gracious and brilliant man who will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Kate and Hank Timmerman
Fernando Torres
Hard to grasp the loss of our dear friend and compadre! We will miss him terribly. He was our dearest friend and fellow traveler in the political world. Our great consolation is knowing his true love–his wife Beatrice–and his great joys–his sons, Jose and Daniel–will carry on his legacy and build on the advocacy that Manny gave to his community and his nation. R.I.P carnal and we shall be in the lives of your family. Con tanto carino, Fernando and Elvira Torres-Gil
Luz Mary Arias Gómez
Queridos Prima Beatríz, José y Daniel los estamos acompañando en este difícil momento con nuestro corazón y nuestras oraciones.
Abrazos de Condelencia,
Luz Mary Arias Gómez y Familia
Wylie Timmerman
Beatriz, José, and Danny,
I’m so sorry about this terrible news and am sending you all much love. Manny was such a joy to be around, and I’m so glad I got to continue to cross paths with him after I grew up. His story is such an inspiration.
Sincere condolences,
Wylie Timmerman
Alan Stephens
I was shocked and saddened to learn about Manny’s passing. He was a valued colleague and friend when we both worked for Governor Napolitano a few years ago.
He was blessed with a full life and a loving family. All Arizonans should be appreciative of his public service.
God Bless
Lisa Tabaku
Dear Beatriz, Jose and Daniel,
This beautiful obituary for Manny appeared in CAL Friday today. I appreciated learning so much more about Manny than I ever knew. I realize his life was one that impacted the lives of many others in a positive way!
Love,
Lisa