Moss Landing, CA

Manuel was born on January 6th, 1945 in Cambrils, Spain; he moved to the United States in the 1970s for new adventures and to pursue his passion for learning.

He earned his PhD in Anthropology from the University of Chicago and served as an Associate Professor, teaching anthropology and philosophy, at North Eastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL for several years. Later in his life, Manuel moved to the Monterey Bay where he worked as an instructor for the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, in Monterey CA, where he eventually became the Head of the Spanish Department before his retirement in 2023. He also taught Spanish courses at Cabrillo College in Aptos CA for many years. Over his life Manuel lived in and explored several countries throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He spoke five different languages and had a fondness for exploring different cultures, civilizations, and religions. He also had a love of philosophy, science, teaching, anthropology, sociology and was an avid reader.

Manuel is survived by his wife Rita Vidal De Moreno, his sister Nieves Liñan, his son Manuel (Manny) Moreno, daughter in law Wenn Moreno, step son Matias Torchio and daughter in law Christy Torchio, and step children Vanessa Torchio and Sergio Torchio as well as his six grandchildren. Manuel touched many lives during his lifetime, and will be deeply missed by those who loved him.