Stanley Laurence Mano

Stanley Mano, “Stan” or “Stan the Man”; if you said his name, everyone knew exactly who you meant, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, who held him close to the very end. He was one of one.

Stan was born in San Luis Obispo, California, to Kojiro and Miteru Mano. He later lived in the Parlier and Reedley area before settling in Watsonville, where he graduated high school in 1954. He proudly served in the National Guard with the 149th Tank Battalion.

He began his working life in agriculture, then worked at Pacific Extrusion and Ford’s Department Store until it was lost in the 1989 earthquake. He went on to a long and beloved career in receiving at Longs Drug Store, where his warmth and humor earned him countless lifelong friends.

Stan first met his future wife, Tami, when he was about thirteen, and she became the love of his life. He lost her more than thirty-five years ago and carried her in his heart every day thereafter.

Stan was fun-loving, gregarious, and had a gift for making people laugh. He was an avid fisherman, and his face lit up at the memory of past fishing and camping trips with friends and family, and the promise of new ones. He was also a devoted lover of hot rods and classic cars. He drag raced in his early days, was a fixture at car shows where he earned several awards, and was meticulous and proud in caring for his cars. He was a masterful cook, remembered for his barbecued turkey and chili beans, and for a wardrobe of unforgettable shirts that were pure Stan. A devoted and lifelong Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams fan, he wore his loyalties proudly.

Above all, Stan lived to love and care for others. He was forever bringing food, offering comfort, and showing up for people in their hardest moments, putting others before himself right up to his final days. A man’s life is measured not by what he owns but by the lives he touches, and by that measure, Stan’s life was rich beyond counting.

Stan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tami; his parents, Kojiro and Miteru Mano; and his siblings Jim, Joe, Shuri, Chuck, Shiz, Louise, Totomi, and Mollie.

He is survived by his loving sister, May; his three children, Randy (Tracy), Kelly, and Vicki (Mike); his four grandchildren, Aidan, Kai, Jordan, and Alissa; and his faithful dog, Kobe, who was always at his side.

In his final days, Stan was surrounded by the family who lovingly cared for him around the clock. He passed peacefully, at rest, with those he loved gathered close. He leaves behind nothing unsaid and no regrets: only love, gratitude, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

A celebration of Stan’s life will be held on Monday, July 20, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos, California. All who knew and loved him are warmly invited to attend and share in his memory.