Life at home
Manny married Geraldine "Geri" Tavolacci on Jan. 23, 1966, and they marked their 43rd anniversary this year. They raised two sons, Joseph and Peter, and continued living at the same location in Bellaire, Texas, for 35 years. Yet Manny's work extended far beyond that home base. Even when the family remained behind, their lives were enriched by the cultural knowledge Manny brought when he returned from China, Singapore, Japan, Scandinavia...his passport read like a geography lesson. The family traveled throughout Europe, Russia and North Africa and even lived in Paris from 1988-’89 when Manny worked with scientists there. And their home was enlivened by serving as a popular gathering place for visiting international scientists and students.
Over the years, the family grew to include daughters-in-law Kimberly and Veta, and grandchildren Giovanni and Sofia, whose curiosity and spirit were a source of endless joy to their grandfather.
Although Manny's days at the seminary were numbered once he spied Ms. Tavolacci at a church pageant, garbed for her role as the Blessed Mother, his faith was deep and enduring. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Church, serving for many years as a Eucharistic minister.
Manny recorded with renowned pianist Dick Barlow at the Warwick Hotel in Houston.
Manny's Life in Pictures