Gerald "Jerry" Leo Manuel (Geraldo Leo Magnoni) was born September 1st, 1924 to Remo J. Manuel (Magnoni) and Edna May (Ziska) Manuel in their home in College Place, Washington. The middle child of 6 children, he grew up farming with his family. He attended Wa-Hi when the US Army drafted him for World War II, who awarded him a Bronze Star of Valor. Upon returning to Walla Walla he attended Whitman College.

While a patient at St Mary's Hospital he met and married his wife, Lanore Hatley, on April 2nd, 1949. He was recalled to service in the Korean War. Jerry and Lanore raised 5 children; Larry J. Manuel/Magnoni, (his wife Kathleen Stearns), Jerry A. Manuel/Magnoni, (his wife, Janet M. Mueller), Ron P. Manuel, (his fiance Yolanda Cortinas/Trout), Marleen M. Manuel/Magnoni Alhadeff, (her husband Kenny Alhadeff), and Christine L. Manuel/ Magnoni Crowley (her husband John Crowley). Jerry treasured every one of his 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. His brothers Ray and John Manuel (his wife, Julie Manuel), sister Genida "Sweet" Purcell, mother-in-law, Loree (Thorn) Hatley and brother-in-law, Fran Pinchbeck also survive him.

Jerry's passions included his faith, family, friends, food, politics and sports. He was best known for bringing pizza to Walla Walla as the owner/operator of Pizza Pete/ Pepe's Pizza where not only his recipes but his large voice and unique character will never be forgotten. During his early years he actively supported his family and children in many organizations including, Boy Scouts; coaching sports; as a founding parishioner of Assumption Parish; Walla Walla Catholic Schools; Hope Auction; and the Catholic Schools Endowment, where his family, lovely wife and he were proudly honored as the 2007 Alumni Family of the Year.

He also supported his community as an officer/ member of the Veterans Memorial Golf Course; as an officer/member of the Restaurant Association of the State of Washington (who awarded him Restaurateur of the Year); as well as the Elks; VFW; American Legion; Eagles; NRA; the Knights of Columbus; and he was a lifetime member of The Italian Heritage Association. He volunteered countless hours to organizations in the community including Fort Walla Walla Museum, St. Vincent de Paul. Through his famous Pizza Fair Booth he supported several local charities (currently, Walla Walla Catholic Schools).

Jerry was a lover of life and enjoyed gardening, golf, bowling, traveling with friends and family and was an avid sports fan. He cherished his 59 years of marriage to Lanore until her passing on March 6, 2008…life was never the same for him. All who were touched by his humor, generosity and spirit will miss him dearly.

Jerry's family and friends said a Rosary for him on October 1, 2010, at Assumption Catholic Church followed by viewing and visitation. Thewre was a Mass on Saturday, October 2nd. You may make charitable memorial donations to Walla Walla Catholic Schools Endowment Fund or to the Veteran's Affair Medical Center earmarked "The Jerry Manuel Fund" for direct services benefiting Walla Walla Veterans, through the Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla.