Obituary of Manuel De La Rosa

Manuel "Papa" De La Rosa, 88, died on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. Manuel was born April 8, 1920, in Junction City, KS and attended St. Anastasia Church in Waukegan. He retired from Libertyville High School after about 15 years of employment. Manuel was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved listening to Big Band music and was an accomplished dancer. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Ana; children, Michael (Jackie) De La Rosa of Metaire, LA, Manuel De La Rosa Jr. of Waukegan, Gilbert (Bonnie) De La Rosa of Waukegan, Dolores Lower of Waukegan, Anthony De La Rosa of Scottsdale, AZ, Carlos (Theresa) De La Rosa of Peoria, AZ, Rebecca VoVillia of Gurnee, IL, and Albert (MaryAnn) De La Rosa of Waukegan; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Mercado of IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by sisters, Aurora, Rebecca, Rosa and Anita. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anastasia Church, 624 Douglas Avenue, Waukegan, IL. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2009 from 5:00 -8:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. Interment is private for the family. Memorial donations to the family would be appreciated.