It is with great heartache that I share the news of the passing of my beautiful nephew, Emmanuel Castañeda. Manny, the nickname his mother used, remains the funniest person I’ve known. His wit could always break the whole room into laughter. Manny’s indestructible passion for Muay Thai spurred his hopes and dreams to join the military after his anticipated graduation from Lake Worth High School this spring. Manny brought so much joy and laughter into the lives of his friends, his family and his mother, Elluvia Francisco. Manny was Elluvia's best friend and only child, and his loss left a giant hole in her heart. She raised him with the loving support of her mother, Melchora Manuel-Pedro, who was a second mom to him.

Monies from this GoFundMe will cover funeral expenses, as well as accommodate for the bereavement leave for Elluvia.

Manny will be forever missed and never forgotten.