Manuel Franco, age 56, passed away on March 30, 2021. He was born in Salem on May 17, 1964 and is the son of Denise (Drillis) Mackay of Salem and Manuel Franco of Lynn. Manny has been a resident of Salem all of his life and graduated from SalemHigh School. In High School he attended The Special Olympics in Baton Rouge and won a Gold Medal for gymnastics. Following High School, he was employed with Shaw's Supermarket in Salem for over 17 years, retiring about 6 years ago. Following his retirement from Shaw's, Manny attended a daycare program with Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries at the Shetland Properties in Salem where he was very happy and cared for very well. He had many interests that included movies, wrestling, music and he enjoyed bowling on a league at Sunny Side Bowling Alley for many years. Manny looked forward to going out to dinner and movies every Friday with his lifelong best friend, John LeGault. Manny loved spending time with his family and friends. His kind heart has touched all of us in so many ways. He brought joy to our lives.

Surviving him in addition to his parents are his sister Denise Mackay and family, Michael Rodriguez, Manny Sousa, Coralee Stever and Kimberly Stever; his stepmother, Ilene, his brother and sister, Eric and Lisa, his Uncle Tony and his favorite cousins Tony, Eddie, Jimmy and Carlos. Manny loved everyone who he came in contact with, and was loved by all.

Visiting hours will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, corner or North Street, Salem on Wednesday April 7 ^th 2021 from 2 to 4 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Due to the pandemic, safety protocols will be followed and masks must be worn. There will be no Funeral Services held at this time. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, 1010 Harrison Ave, Boston MA 02119. For additional information or online guestbook please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com .