Jorge Coronel Manalang

Jorge Coronel Manalang of Ada, MI (formerly of Ann Arbor, MI), age 88, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 1, 2021.  He was born on February 22, 1932 in Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines to Jose Manalang (father) and Juana Coronel (mother).  Jorge attended the Mapua Institute of Technology (the biggest engineering school in the Philippines) in Manila and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.  Using this degree, he joined the US Army Corps of Engineers and took on overseas assignments in Guam, Maui, and various South Pacific US territories to install satellite ground tracking stations.  Jorge and Lucita (Lucy) Santos Manalang were married on December 29, 1966 in Quezon City, Philippines (53 year marriage) and then immigrated to the United States in 1969.  He became a Naturalized United States Citizen on November 27, 1974.  His son Joel Manalang and daughter Lennie May Manalang Paul were born in Auburn, Washington and Jorge took on an active role in coaching them in tennis.  Jorge became a licensed Professional Engineer, obtained his Residential Builder License, and was an active member of many Engineering and Architecture organizations.  Jorge believed that he could do anything and when the family needed more space; they built a larger house themselves.  While living in Ann Arbor, Jorge worked for Bechtel Power Corporation running various nuclear power plant startup projects that took him to many places including Saudi Arabia for a 3 year assignment.  After retiring, he started his own company where he did consulting work related to electrical distribution systems, communications, security, and construction.  While retired, Jorge decided to build a second house as their retirement home and he and his wife Lucy literally constructed everything in the house on their own.  Jorge will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  He was an active member at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church in Ann Arbor with ushering and volunteering for many functions.  He enjoyed technical projects, home repairs, learning & taking college classes (up to 10 classes a semester including advanced ballroom dancing), following politics, family gatherings, cooking Filipino food (nicknamed the Iron Chef), golf, tennis, bowling with his wife Lucy, and attending his granddaughter’s events.  He will be missed by his children, Joel & Samantha Manalang and Lennie & Mark Paul; granddaughters, Isabella and Amelia Paul; brothers, Fabian and Santiago; sister Eufricina; many nieces & nephews; family; and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife Lucita, parents, brother Rufino, and brother Higino.  A Mass of Christian Burial in Jorge’s honor will be on Saturday, January 16, 2021 11:00 am at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Ada, MI, 49301. Rev. Leonard Sudlik, presiding.  Burial Services at Ada Cemetery (located west of the corner of Fulton Street SE (M-21) and Grand River Drive) will immediately follow the mass.  Friends and family may attend a visitation at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church from 10:00 AM until the time of service.  COVID requirements apply relative to wearing masks, social distancing, and adhering to state mandated limitations on the size of gatherings.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church at https://www.strobertchurch.org/make-a-donation/.