Manuel Reyes Alegre was born on January 5, 1934 in Olongapo, Philippines. He passed peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo after bouts with various illnesses. Born to Vicente and Claudia Alegre, Manuel was the second of nine children. His siblings included: Felicisima (passed), Elizabeth (passed), Gloria, Delfin (passed), Bernardo, Reynaldo, Arsenia (passed) and Ernesto. Affectionately known as "Maning" or "Manny" to family members, relatives and close friends, Maning never forgot his roots and helped his family immigrate to the United States.

Early life-changing events forever changed Maning and the Alegre clan. When Japanese soldiers invaded Subic Bay and Olongapo during World War II, Maning and his family escaped to Dinalupihan, Bataan to avoid the war's atrocities. Evading capture by foot to San Marcelino, Zambales, he and his family eventually hid in the mountains and jungles to survive the war. Another important event was the death of his father Vicente when Maning was only fifteen years old. Being the oldest son, he was thrust into yet willingly accepted the duties and responsibilities of becoming the family's leader and breadwinner.

In pursuit of the "American Dream" and to help provide a better future for his family, he joined the US Navy in 1955. He completed Navy Boot Camp at RTC San Diego, CA followed by additional training in Navy Base Charleston, SC. Maning served onboard the USS St. Paul (CA-73), USS George K. MacKenzie (DD-836) and USS John S. McCain (DL-3) early in his Navy career, deploying on several WESTPAC cruises. Besides crossing the Equator and becoming a trusty Shellback, Maning became a proud US citizen who also broke racial barriers. He was among the early Filipino-American pioneers in the US Navy.

While the USS St. Paul was in port at Naval Base Subic Bay, Maning met Eduarda (Edy) Hermoso. He admired her while she worked at the base exchange. After a few years of long-distance courtship, they married on April 14, 1962. Maning and Edy had three children: Elizabeth, Mario and Ellen.

His duty stations included Yokosuka, Japan; Okinawa, Japan; Treasure Island, San Francisco; and Long Beach, California. Maning's last ship was the USS St. Louis (LKA-116), based in Long Beach, where he also served alongside his youngest brother, Ernesto. The USS St. Louis made frequent deployments into combat zones during the Vietnam War. After countless deployments and time away from family while at sea, Maning served his final two years on shore duty stationed at Long Beach Naval Station on shore patrol. Machinist Mate First Class Manuel Reyes Alegre, USN retired on September 30, 1975 after proudly serving 20 years.

His second career was with the US Postal Service. Starting as a postal clerk in Santa Ana, he eventually transferred to and worked in Garden Grove for many years until he retired in the late 1990's.

Maning was predeceased by his wife, Edy and their daughter, Ellen Cain, who passed away just months apart in 2020. Besides his children, Elizabeth and Mario, he is survived by his in-laws: Thomas Marquez, Maggie Alegre and Christopher Cain. He is also survived by seven grandsons: Scott, Ethan and Evan Marquez; Jonathon, Nicholas and Michael Alegre; and Mattias Cain as well as his numerous nieces and nephews.

He loved family time, sharing memories of his time in the Navy, singing, eating, and prior to Edy's stroke in 2007, traveling and socializing with friends. They were very active with the Southern California Philippine-US Veterans Association. He emceed for and sang at many SoCal Phil-Am Vets' events. He was also a member of American Legion Post 132 in Orange, CA and Saddleback Laguna Masonic Lodge #672. He was very generous and kind. He will be missed by all.

His viewing will be on Wednesday, February 28th from 5 pm through 8 pm at McCormick & Son Mortuary, 25002 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills. Rosary will be recited starting at 6 pm. A private Masonic service (for Masons only) will be held at 4 pm prior to the viewing. His funeral will be on Thursday, February 29th at St. Kilian Church, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, starting at 10:20 am as a short eulogy and poem will be read prior to the 10:30 am Mass. A procession will take place shortly after Mass and proceed to Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest for burial with military honors starting at Noon.

To view webcasting of the funeral service, please click HERE .