Manuel "Manny" Nunez

Age 90. Beloved husband of the late Lillian Nunez. Loving father of Ralph, Cynthia (Ron Walker), late Patrick (Lynda) and Kyle Nunez. Dear brother of Elsa Kulpa and late Joseph Nunez. Grandfather of Marisa, Kristina, Diana and Christian Nunez. Manny was principal at Bennett Elementary School in Detroit from 1974-1989. He was a baseball coach at St. Frances Cabrini in Allen Park for 30+ years.

Manuel received a Special Tribute from the Michigan Legislature on February 1, 1989 commemorating his service to the Detroit Public School System. He hung it above his favorite chair.  It reads:

“LET IT BE KNOWN, That it is a distinct honor and a great pleasure to have this opportunity to pay tribute to Manuel Nunez as he retires from Detroit Public Schools after thirty years of dedicated service as both a teacher and an administrator. As principal of Bennett School since 1974, Mr. Nunez has earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, and staff, as he has helped many young people chart their course towards becoming productive and valuable citizens.

A graduate of Chadsey High School and Wayne State University, Manuel Nunez began his career in 1957 as a gym teacher subbing at Logan Elementary School.  By 1968, he was appointed assistant principal at Morley School, and in 1974, he became the ninth principal at Bennett School and was the proud presider at Bennett’s seventy-fifth anniversary celebration in 1987.  Throughout his lengthy tenure, Mr. Nunez has earned a reputation as a man truly devoted to the students.  Not just a from-the-desk administrator, he never gave up the joy of truly getting involved in the activities of the day.  During his early years at Bennett, he continued to coach girls and boys basketball teams in addition to his myriad administrative duties.  Kids were indeed the focus of his life – at home and away.  The father of three sons and a daughter, Manuel Nunez coached Little League, was an active participant in the Boy Scouts and coached baseball and basketball at St. Frances Cabrini School during his children’s formative years.  He still keeps a hand in, coaching baseball at Cabrini after hours, and his efforts have been rewarded by frequent Cabrini appearances during the Catholic School Payoffs at Tiger Stadium.

IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, This document is signed and dedicated to honor Bennett Elementary School Principal Manuel Nunez on the occasion of his retirement, January 31, 1989.  May he know our deep appreciation for his many years of dedicated service and of our best wishes for the years ahead.”

After retirement, Manuel shared responsibility with his brother, Joe, and sister, Elsie, in caring for their mother Florentina, so that she could continue to reside in her home in southwest Detroit.

When his beloved wife, Lillian, developed dementia in 1999, he became her primary caregiver. His loving, courageous, and able care of Lillian prolonged her life until her passing in 2012.  He bravely faced brain surgery in 2001.  In 2007, he also suffered the tragic loss of his beloved son, Patrick, who shared so many of his beautiful qualities.

Through many decades, Manny was also a coach to generations of athletes in many sports. He received the 2003 Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Baseball Assistant Coach of the Year Award.  His character and dedication as a coach inspired so many that Cabrini High School named an award after him.  Every year for many years, the revered “Manny Nunez Award” was bestowed upon a player from the team who best exemplified Manny’s qualities of teamwork, dedication, hard work, sacrifice, and positive spirit.

To his parents, he was “Manolo.” To his wife and siblings, he was “Manuel.” To his children and their spouses, he was “Daddy, Dad, or Puba.” To his four grandchildren, he was “Grandpa or Puba.” To his nieces and nephews, he was “Uncle Manuel.” To his students, he was “Mr. Nunez.” To his players, he was “Coach Manny.” To all, he was loved. And always will be.

Visitation 1:00pm - 8:00pm Tuesday, February 5 at Weise Funeral Home, 7210 Park, Allen Park (313-382-1150).

Funeral Service 10:00am Wednesday, Feburay 6 (In state from 9:30am) at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 9000 Laurence (at Wick), Allen Park.

Interment Woodmere Cemetery.