Manuel Ota

With profound love and deep sorrow, we share the passing of Manuel Ota—our beloved husband, devoted father, treasured grandfather, and faithful friend—who left this world peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family at the age of 84.

Manuel was born on March 9, 1941, in Lima, Peru, a city rich in culture and spirit, qualities that would define the man he became. He was a man of immense warmth and unwavering kindness, whose greatest joy came from the simple but profound act of loving his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane, his two adoring daughters, Leilani and Heide, and his treasured grandchildren: Marleina, Lani, Ruben, Robert, and Roni. His legacy also lives on through his six beautiful great-granddaughters: Camellia, Lola, Ru, Jonni, Louie, and Kaua‘i Lei.

To Manuel, family went far beyond blood. He embraced every friend as kin, treating everyone with respect, generosity, and his signature gentle humor. His heart was as vast as the ocean he loved to fish in. Fishing was his passion—his sanctuary. On quiet mornings and sunlit afternoons, he found peace by the water, casting a line and waiting patiently with hope and joy. When he wasn’t fishing, he could be found in his garden, tenderly caring for each plant with the same devotion he gave to the people and animals in his life.

Manuel shared his days with many faithful companions—his beloved dogs: Kika, Cannon, Baba, Rocky, Marley, Jordan, and Simba. Each one held a special place in his heart, and we take comfort in the image of him now, sitting peacefully by a heavenly lake, fishing pole in hand, surrounded by his loyal pack.

His life was a beautiful example of love in action—quiet strength, a gentle soul, and an unshakable faith in the goodness of others. Though we will miss him beyond words, we know that he is at peace, forever watching over us with the same warmth and love he gave so freely.

Funeral services will be held on July 11, 2025, at 1:30 PM at The Church of the Recessional at Forest Lawn, Glendale.