Laurence Ray Manuelito Jr “Larry Love,” 48, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.
The celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 6th at Christ Church Lutheran, 3901 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Please wear flip-flops in Larry’s honor.
Larry was born in Ganado, AZ on October 3, 1970; a member of the Diné Tribe. He spent his childhood in Albuquerque, NM. He graduated from La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, NM. He went on to attend college at University of New Mexico with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity brothers and then went on to receive an Occupational Studies Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management from Scottsdale Culinary Institute.
Larry was married to his high school sweetheart, Christi Bonner Manuelito on May 21, 1994; they were married 24 years.
Larry began his culinary career as a personal chef for local professional athletes, Stephon Marbury (Phoenix Suns), who nicknamed him “Larry Love,” because he cooked with love, Niel Diggs off season (Green Bay Packers), David Boston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). He worked as an executive chef for Sodexo with Arizona State University Athletics Sun Devil Stadium, with Delaware North for San Francisco Giants, Scottsdale Stadium and San Diego Padres Petco Park, San Diego, CA. Most recently employed by SSP America, Phoenix, AZ. He enjoyed baseball, golf, his dogs, rock climbing, fishing mountain biking, camping, hiking an was passionate about cooking. He loved to laugh and lovingly haze family and friends. He adored is sons!
Larry is survived by wife: Christi Bonner Manuelito, sons: Laurence Ray III, Jett Gregory Manueli-to, parents: Laurence Ray Sr, Kathryn Diane Manuelito, Siblings: Donovan Paul Manuelito, Shan-non Manuelito-Allison, many nieces & nephews and other family and friends.
Larry is preceded in death by his grandparents Clarence D. Toledo, Sr, Nina Lydia Toledo, Jeanette Manuelito and Great Aunt Amy Rose Pinto.
To honor Larry’s fierce love for his sons, if you prefer, in lieu of cards, flowers and gifts, the family requests donations to his boy’s memorial fund.
https://www.gofundme.com/larrys-love-for-his-boys-fund (please copy and paste this link into your browser)
Also, if you would like to leave a fun memory or condolence on Larry’s Facebook page or messenger the family would appreciate it and it may be applied toward a memory video that will be shown at the celebration of life service.
David Gordon
Dear Christi,
I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing.
My heart goes out to you and your sons.
I’ll be sending my prayers.
David Gordon
Victoria Herrera
Dear Christi,
I am deeply sorry to hear this.
I send you and your family many blessings as well as angels carrying buckets of love and strength to throw upon you.
Love and Light,
Victoria
Peregrine
Please pass on my sincerest sympathies on the loss of Larry, Father and husband. Awful news , so young so can only imagine the pain the Family must be suffering at this difficult time.
Carolyn Manuelito
“Something we get through, when you loose your loved one. It’s not something we get over. Life goes on & on….” Willie Nelson’s song says it all…Your families are so loved and our prayers will sustain you, just as God’s love and comfort will surround you and you will feel his presence at all times through the tears, the good days, the bad days, the good night’s the bad nights God will never leave you as you embark on this life without Larry JR. Know you are loved!
Robert LaDuke
Sorry for your loss, Christi.
Eulynda Toledo
Lil’ Larry is in yours and our hearts forever. Thank you Shi Yaazhi (my son in Navajo; as maternal aunt he is also my son). He called me ‘ Auntie Lynda’ when he began to talk, as a baby. David Ross, Rainy, and Coral and daughters ( Caeli, Lolo, Nina, and Angel) send all the love. With Love, Auntie Lynda
Shawn Morales
Christi
My sincerest condolences to you and all your family. All of our lives went different directions but all seemed to come together in the end with family, love, laughter and tears. May all the good be what you remember the most.
Joanie Simmons
We are so sad to learn about the sudden passing of Larry. We are proud to have known such a fun, kind, warm and handsome person. He was a good friend of our Sons. Our family has a special place in our hearts for Larry. His precious memories live on!
Deepest Sympathy from our family.
Harper & Joanie Simmons
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Kathy Feeney and Molly Simpson
Our deepest sympathy to you and family at this very hard time. Know that you are in our hearts.
Drew Hunter, MD
I am SOO SORRY to hear of your loss. My DEEPEST sympathies! May he Rest In Peace.
CoralDawn
Hey big brother…… I couldn’t go to your funeral….. you see me, you know why. Life and reality are so…… conditional. Life is funny and strange brother, you warned me of boys when I was 14, you comforted me when I almost lost my mom, became my hero when you had a crazy idea to blow up a certain disgrace 2smithereens…… You’ve been the epitome of success to me for so long….. now once more you’ve gone ahead far far ahead of me&I pray that I can follow you. Please….. remember me? You, Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie Amy& Great Grandma- will you all remember me? Wait for me? I’m tired brother…… if there is a way…… whisper2me. I look for all of you all the time and I hope…… I love you brother. I love you and I’m sorry time passed, so much stupid time distance and stuff happened……. I keep your smile with me. See ya……..