ForeverMissed
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Describing Manuel Gil “Manny” in writing only is a true disservice because of how unique he was and how far-reaching his legacy is. To tell the story of his remarkable life, accomplishments, and death, we start in Havana, Cuba where Manny was born on March 12, 1959 to parents Dr. Clorinda Cabrera Gil and Rev. Manuel Gil Sr. In 1961 and in the immediate aftermath of the Cuban Revolution, Manny, his parents and his sister Gloria all moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where he was largely raised. He graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1977 before attending Delgado College and Loyola University. During this time, he also met his eventual wife Thais Gil who he married on May 11, 1983 at Iglesia Bautista Betania by Rev Manuel Gil Sr. His union with Thais led Manny to the next major chapter of his life in Miami, FL where he was a resident for 37 years. Manny finished his bachelor’s degree at St. Thomas University in Miami, FL with a degree in Political Science and with Dean’s List distinction in 1980, 1984, and 1985. Soon thereafter, Thais gave birth to firstborn Gabriel Gil in 1987. A second son, Kevin Gil was born in 1993. While raising their two sons in Miami, Manny had an exceptional career as a job placement specialist for over 20 years. He had a late career change working alongside his son Gabriel at Progressive Insurance in the claims department. In January 2021 he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer before suddenly passing away on April 19th, 2021 at the age of 62.

Just as important as Manny’s life events was his truly unique and authentic personality that makes it so difficult to adequately describe him. Meeting Manny was meeting a captivating storyteller, a playful comedian, a witty cynic, a charming conversationalist. Moreover, his charisma was complemented by broad and diverse knowledge of geography, politics, sports, travel, music and culture. And yet, Manny’s legacy will be defined most by his family and notably, his two sons, who were his life’s work.   

“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it” -William James

Although it ended too soon, Manny made great use of his life and his legacy will be strongly felt for generations to come. He is survived by his ever-loving wife of 37 years, Thais Gil, who stood by his side through sickness and health. He is also survived by his two sons Gabriel Gil, MBA candidate, and Kevin Gil, MD, daughter in law Mariel Gil, grandchildren Mason and Rylen Gil, mother-in-law Ana Cabrera Fernandez. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Gloria (Kevin) Reimherr  and affectionately remembered as the “cool uncle” by Tony (Celena) and Jaime Avila.

While Manny spent the majority of his working years building a future for his family, he also ensured his own future in eternity by rebuilding his relationship with his lord and savior Jesus Christ. He was a devout Christian and a dedicated member of Miami Vineyard Church. His family takes solace in knowing that he is no longer in pain and is now enjoying the gift of eternal life.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 27th from 8:30-11:30pm at Bernardo Garcia Funeral Home (8215 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33155). Due to Covid-19, the memorial service will be limited to 35 people. The burial will take place at 1pm on April 28th at Memorial Plan at Miami Memorial Park Cemetery with no capacity restrictions (6200 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33143). Memorials can be made to Miami Vineyard Church at https://pushpay.com/g/miamivineyard. Cards, flowers, and plants may be sent to Bernardo Garcia Funeral Home. 


March 16
HAPPY BIRTHDAY in HEAVEN to my little and ONLY brother, (Manny) Manuel Gil Jr. March 12, 2024
   It's hard to believe that it is almost 3 years since the angels came down to escort you to your eternal home with JESUS, Mom and Dad and the many of our extended "gran Familia".
    I take comfort in the blessed assurance that our separation is only temporary. And when the Lord calls me home, you, Mom and Dad will be at the gate of heaven.... to welcome me home.
    I LOVE you and miss you mucho! Your sister, GLORIA "yoya" to you when you were little.. (Mamita, Papito y Yoya!)
March 12, 2023
March 12, 2023
My heart is with your family. May the Lord continue to comfort you. Love Maria Orozco
January 13, 2022
January 13, 2022
Thais, and Gloria and family.  I am a very old friend from back in New Orleans and I am shocked to see that Manuel passed so early in life. My heart goes out to you and your family. I only knew Manuel for a very short time but I have never forgotten his personality and what a wonderful heart and soul he had.  He definitely is making everyone laugh in Heaven.  God Bless you all.
Carmen Manzano Waring
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
Oh Manny,
My condolences to his family. Knowing you was awesome, you were one of the best work buddies at Progressive Insurance even for the short time I've worked there you made a lifetime impression on me. You had the greatest stories of your family oh the love. God bless you, heaven has certainly gained an angel.
April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021
To the Gil family, I am very sadden to hear that Manny is no longer with you physically as he was such a humble, sweet presence at Progressive Miramar Branch. Manny was one of the very first people I met at the office and had no problem teaching me how to do tasks. Always said good morning, always pleasant, and helpful. He will continue to live on through your memories and watch over you all as he is now with the his heavenly father. " To be absent from the body means to be present with the Lord" 2 Corinthians 5:8
April 24, 2021
April 24, 2021
It is with great sadness that I mourn the death of a highly respected husband and father Manuel Gil. Manuelito was dedicated and committed to his family. It was an honor to have known him. 
April 24, 2021
April 24, 2021
Ha sido muy difícil para mi aceptar la pérdida de Manolito
Yo recuerdo como nos recibió cuando llegamos de Cuba , sus regalos a mis pequeños hijos, y todas las atenciones con mi familia
Recuerdo verlo jugando basketball con ellos y disfrutando sus apasionadas conversaciones ricas de humor crítico pero llenas de reflexiones inteligentes
Recuerdo con mucho amor nuestro primer viaje en familia a Tennessee, nuestras largas tertulias acerca Cuba , Economía , educación  y disfrutar nuestras reflexiones
Me enseñó a tener confianza en mismo como inmigrantes y me acepto desde el primer día como parte de la familia perdida
No tengo palabras para expresar mi más profundo agradecimientos a Manolito y Thais y su familia por todo lo que hicieron por nosotros.
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
Nosotros queríamos mucho a Manolito y le echaremos mucho de menos, su conversación amena y su raro sentido del humor que llegamos a conocer. Nos unimos al dolor de la familia porque eso somos familia y lo extrañaremos siempre. Que descanse en paz
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
I know that we have not seen each other in a long time, but we are family and we love strong and miss much. The times we talked made me smile because your personality and your humor were always very unique. To me you were one of a kind. Love you primo and I know I will miss you. Praying for all my family during this most difficult time.

Love you all mucho

April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
Mi esposo y compañero de 38 años te voy a recordar cada dia en esta vida terrenal. Me enseñaste a vivir contigo pero no sin ti, pero se que una parte de ti vive en tus hijos y me da consuelo. Voy a extrañar los conciertos y los viajes que haciamos juntos. Te quiero. Esto es solo un hasta luego, hasta que podamos estar juntos de nuevo.

                        Tu esposa - Thais
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
Father, I am so beyond proud of you. You are the coolest, smartest, and funniest dad. I always idolized you; from your intellect, athletic ability, your humbleness, and your love for God. I owe everything to you. I love you so much. Your legacy will live for generations to come.

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Recent Tributes
March 16
HAPPY BIRTHDAY in HEAVEN to my little and ONLY brother, (Manny) Manuel Gil Jr. March 12, 2024
   It's hard to believe that it is almost 3 years since the angels came down to escort you to your eternal home with JESUS, Mom and Dad and the many of our extended "gran Familia".
    I take comfort in the blessed assurance that our separation is only temporary. And when the Lord calls me home, you, Mom and Dad will be at the gate of heaven.... to welcome me home.
    I LOVE you and miss you mucho! Your sister, GLORIA "yoya" to you when you were little.. (Mamita, Papito y Yoya!)
March 12, 2023
March 12, 2023
My heart is with your family. May the Lord continue to comfort you. Love Maria Orozco
Recent stories

Happy Birthday in Heaven Manny

March 12, 2022
Happy Birthday in Heaven to my Dear little brother Manny....
I miss you everyday....wish I could call you....I thank God for your life and your Love for me....
     You ARE (yes you ARE, you just moved from earth to Heaven) the best brother ever....and the best thing is to know, without a shadow of doubt.... that we will be together again When the Lord calls me Home.....singing Praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Feliz Cumpleaños en el Cielo, Manny....

Manny, best brother ever!

April 22, 2021
My dear brother Manny.... oh how I miss you. You were the Best Brother ever... ..Thank you for All you did for me...you encauraged me always....you supported all my endevours and you made me a better person. You trully Loved me unconditionally You will live in my Heart forever until the Lord calls me home .... I will look for your face at the pearly Gates. And once more we will be United... this time for Eternity. Love you Mucho, your Sister.

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