Emanuel John Michael Lo Galbo

Emanuel "Mannie" John Michael Lo Galbo, age 72, of Valparaiso, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mannie was born on October 23, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, and brought light and laughter to all who knew him.

Mannie spent his career with the City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation, where he took pride in his work and the friendships he built along the way. After retirement, he and Kathleen made Valparaiso their home, where Mannie became a familiar and friendly face in the community.

Known for his quick wit and great sense of humor, Mannie could always be counted on for a joke, a playful story, or great karaoke. Family and friends fondly recall his loving, teasing, and his endless ability to recall sports statistics, a testament to his lifelong passion for sports, especially golf and hockey. Mannie's patience, warmth, and love for his family were his defining qualities, and he passed these virtues to all who knew him.

Mannie was an active volunteer, lending his time to the Niceville Senior Center, supporting the Northwest Florida Raiders basketball team, volunteering for St. Joseph’s Table in Chicago, and supporting the LiPoni Foundation for Special Recreation and Military Outreach U.S.A. His service and kindness touched countless lives in both Chicago and Florida.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Mannie shared forty-three beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathleen Lo Galbo (Gerretsen). Together, they built a loving family and created memories that will last across generations. Mannie is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his son, Jonathan Lo Galbo; his daughter, Deanna Lo Galbo (Dukes); his cherished granddaughter, Ashleigh Dukes; his siblings, Jeannie Maldonado, Maryann Lo Galbo, and Ralph Lo Galbo; his uncle, Junior (Emanuel) and aunt, Jan (Janet) Lo Galbo; and many extended family members and friends who adored him.  

Mannie was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Shawn Dukes; mother, Mary Tramutola; and father, John Joseph Lo Galbo.

In closing, we remember the comfort of Psalm 18:20: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”

Mannie's laughter, generosity, and love will live on through his family and friends. His memory remains a blessing to all.

A Celebration of Life for Mannie will be held on October 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Doc’s Oyster Bar in Valparaiso. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and honor his memory.

 In lieu of flowers, donate to the Niceville Senior Center, 201 Campbell Dr, Niceville, FL, 32578 in memory of Mannie Lo Galbo.