Manuel Celis, Jr.

From his home in Tucson, Arizona Manny worked hard to guide and mentor the blind and the those that have low vision in utilizing their cell phones, computers, and other tech. Manny was there for you if you needed help. He was a teacher, quick of wit, sharp of mind and had a propensity for “cringe worthy” Dad jokes. He was a beloved son, a loving father, a musician, a leader and a mentor to the community.

Manny Celis, Jr., nick named by his parents as “JR”, was born a hollerin' and a rockin' on February 8, 1966 in El Paso, Texas to Carolyn and Manuel Celis. Early life for Manny was chaotic, with the Celis family often moving to pursue better opportunities. Manny was an inquisitive, curious kid who developed a profound passion for the guitar, electronics and later on software. 

In his mid-twenties Manny would marry Argelia Rivera and they would go on to have one son. For his new family Manny sacrificed countless hours working and studying so that he could provide for his wife and son. It was during this time his career started taking off. He would rise to become the I.T. Administrator for The Innova Group. After about two decades of marriage sadly Manny and Argelia would divorce. 

In his mid to late forties Manny came down with type 2 diabetes. The disease went untreated for some time until Manny suffered diabetic retinopathy causing the loss of most of his vision. This terrible disease had cast him into darkness but he refused to give in. With the unmeasurable help of family and friends he guided himself back. He had found the courage to face his new reality and attended SAAVI, a rehabilitation center that specializes in non-visual training for the blind or those with low vision. It was at this center where he would learn to cook, to clean, to care for himself, and most importantly to heal. 

Manny would go on to meet many people from SAAVI and the Association of the Blind. Manny did well and built connections that he found a new calling in life teaching the blind and those of low vision how to operate their smart phones and computers. He would show his students how to use text to speech, magnifiers, and many other accessibility options. He was a light to many and will be dearly missed. 

Manuel "Manny" Celis, Jr. passed away at NWMC Houghton on February 21, 2025 at 6:50pm. He is survived by his life partner, Patty Greene; son, Manuel Alexander Celis; sister-in-law and nieces, Reyna, Christiana and Catelyn Celis; mother, Carolyn Celis; father, Manuel Celis and brother, Steven Celis.