Obituary of Manuel A. Calimlim

It is with great and profound sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved Manuel A. Calimlim, who passed away peacefully in Cortland, NY on November 8, 2024 at the age of 89 following a brief illness. His wife, Agnes, and son, Manuel L. Calimlim Jr, were constantly with him during his last days. "Manny" was born in the Philippines on July 16, 1935 to Jose Calimlim Sr (died 1945) and Fortunata Acosta Calimlim (died 1952). Part of a large Catholic family, he had a total of 8 siblings: 6 brothers and 2 sisters. He received his chemical engineering degree in the Philippines, no small feat in those days, and especially difficult considering he lost both his parents before turning 17 years old himself. He later met and married Agnes Las Marias Calimlim and immigrated to New York City in 1975. While raising his family in Trumbull, CT, he was a long time chemical engineer at Richardson Vicks, working on many familiar and popular products like Head and Shoulders shampoo, Vicks VapoRub, NyQuil, and Oil of Olay lotion. In 1992, he worked for Proctor and Gamble and moved the family to Cincinnati, OH. Later in life, he returned to NY state and moved to Cortland, NY in 2015 with his wife, Agnes, to be closer to his younger son, Manuel Jr. Until last year, Manny could still be seen driving around town, walking around the mall for exercise, and eating out at some of his favorite restaurants. The past year may have slowed him down a bit, but his kindness, quiet resolve, and gentle soul never wavered. In July 2024, he and his wife celebrated 50 years of marriage. He was a devout life-long Catholic, and was a member of St. Anthony's Church. Manny is survived by his wife of 50 years Agnes Las Marias Calimlim, his sons Malvin T. Calimlim and Manuel L. Calimlim Jr, daughter-in-law Theresa Bruno Calimlim, son-in-law Dominick Fantacone, grandchildren Aidan Crispin Calimlim and Sophie Mia Calimlim, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Carlos and Cora Las Marias, sister-in-law Mila Calimlim, and a host of other nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Jose Sr and Fortunata, his brothers Felix, Eugenio, Juanito, Jose Jr, Teofilo, and Rodolfo, and his sisters Rosa and Luisa. A memorial mass to honor Manny's life and legacy will be held on Saturday, Nov 23 at St Anthony's Church in Cortland. Friends may visit the family at the church starting at 11am with a Catholic mass at 12pm and reception to follow. For those wishing to honor Manny's memory, contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Church, 59 N. Main Street (Parish Center) Cortland, N.Y. 13045 Arrangements are under the direction of Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Cortland, NY.