Manuel Gorriaran, Jr., a resident of Warwick, RI peacefully passed away with his loving family by his side after a battle with Lewy Body disease. Manuel Gorriaran Jr. was born of Cuban parents, Alicia and Manuel Gorriaran, in Providence, RI on July 26, 1938. Growing up in Cuba and the United States, Manny attended Providence Country Day, Brown University, University of RI and Bryant College.
Manny touched the lives of many through his community involvement and generosity, bringing distinction to the State of Rhode Island and our nation. For his contributions, he has been recognized by Governor Sundlun, Governor Almond and Senator John Chafee. He was also recognized by the United States Olympic Committee in 1996 for promoting the Spirit of Americanism and enduring good will through the Olympic Games. His athletic success led to his induction into the Rhode Island Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Providence Country Day Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.
Better known as Manny, he was a star athlete winning multiple state championships in Wrestling, Bowling and Tennis, He also won several championships in tennis and golf during his adult life. His contributions continued through his civic and community involvement and is highlighted below:
Community Leadership:
– President of the RI Heritage Hall of Fame 1990-2000
– Appointed by Governor Bruce Sundlun to the Board of the Foundation for the Preservation of the State Cultural Heritage in 1994
– Board of Directors of the Museum Alliance of Providence 1995-1997
– Board of Directors of the Heritage Harbor Museum Project – 1993-2005
– Co-authored the publication Eminent Rhode Islanders published in 2001
Athletic Highlights include:
– Inducted into the Rhode Island Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame – 2002
– Inducted into the Providence Country Day School Sports Hall of Fame – 2000
– Member of the United States Olympic Committee
– New England Wrestling AAU Junior Champion – 1955 &1956
– RI State Wrestling Champion – 1955 &1956
– Two time Rhode Island High School All Star Wrestling Champion
– Bowling State Champion
– United States Tennis Association state, regional and district Champion – 1992
– Won four Rhode Island Golf Association Golf Tournaments – 1990, 1997, 1999
– Silver Medalist in the Rhode Island Senior Olympics for the 100 Meter Dash and Long Jump in 1979
– Won five Father and Son State Tennis Tournaments 1990-1999
– RI State Senior Amateur Golf Tournament Championship
Manny is succeeded by his loving wife, Miriam Gorriaran, and sons Michael, Steven, Daniel and Alexis Gorriaran as well as his daughter Tanya Gorriaran-Goodwin as well as ten grandchildren. To the end he was a fighter that did not want to leave us. He is onto his next journey and his legacy will be carried on.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 5 to 8pm in THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Route 5, Warwick (Exit 12A on I-95). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 10:00 am in St. Gregory The Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick followed by a committal ceremony at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence, RI. The Gorriaran Family would like to acknowledge and thank all the dedicated caretakers at South Bay Horizon and Beacon Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W. Lilburn, GA 30047 or online www.lbda.org/go/donate. www.murphyfuneralhomes.org