Deacon Manuel “Manny” Vilaboy, a revered deacon of the Archdiocese, passed away on March 3, 2024, at the age of 95. He was ordained by Archbishop Joseph Bernadin for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on September 26, 1976, in a historic ceremony that saw thirty-nine men ordained as permanent deacons.

Throughout his forty-seven years of service, Deacon Manny made significant contributions to the Archdiocese. He started his ministry at St. Bartholomew Parish in Cincinnati and later ministered to the Spanish-speaking community at Holy Angels Parish. In 1988, he was appointed Moderator of the Hispanic Catholic Community in the Cincinnati area by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk. Additionally, Deacon Manny played a crucial role in the Catholic Cursillo Movement of Cincinnati, serving as its Spiritual Director for many years.

Deacon Manny's dedication extended beyond his service in the church. He was married to his wife, Eileen, for 36 years and together they raised eight children and fifteen grandchildren. After Eileen's passing in 2000, Deacon Manny continued to live a life devoted to faith and family.

A memorial service in honor of Deacon Manuel Vilaboy will be held at Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Gilbert, Arizona, where he resided with his family for many years. The service is scheduled for Monday, March 11th, and burial will follow at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Gilbert.

As the community mourns the loss of Deacon Manny, Archbishop Joseph Bernadin urges everyone to keep "the repose of the soul of Deacon Manuel Vilaboy in your prayers, as well as peace and consolation for his entire family."