It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Manuel Mercado, on June 25, 2026. He was surrounded by his daughters Ibis, Susan, and Kimberly, which is as he wished.

Known to all as Manny, he was the epitome of the American Dream. Born in New York City, he went from being a scrappy young boy in Spanish Harlem to joining the Air Force, where he was exposed to the world and the finer things in life. After serving his time with the Air Force, he went back to New York City and he met the love of his life, Ives. It was love at first sight.

Through Ives, Manny found his life’s purpose: to be a loving husband and build a family and a life he could be proud of. With love, elegance and grit they shared sixty-nine-beautiful years together. As a devoted father to his daughters, he did everything he could to support them in their own adventures and he shared his pride of their accomplishments with everyone he met.

Manny’s career in sales spanned 45 years with Equitable Life Insurance, where he moved up the ranks to Chief Executive of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It was Manny’s magnetic personality and captive storytelling that made him a great salesman and leader. His colleagues and friends referred to him as “Our Manny” because he was truly one-of-a kind. Manny was known to be the type of man to do things his own way. But he also knew when to take advice from his friends and mentors, which is what eventually led him to build his forever home at Sailfish Point in Stuart, Florida, where he retired and spent the last chapters of his life. At Sailfish Point, he developed deep friendships. He was an active member of the community and took pride in being a part of it.

Manny never failed to mention that he owed his success to his wife Ives, who was always by his side. Their marriage was a force that could not be broken. They were a unit. A dynamic duo that others looked up to.

Manny and Ives filled their retirement years traveling the world. And for over fifty years, they had the lovely tradition of visiting NYC every year for the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center. He also spent these years spoiling his grandchildren by exposing them to travel, good food, how to dress for the occasion, his love for golf, skiing, dancing and so much more.

While Ives was the homemaker who treated Manny like a king, when she fell ill he did not hesitate to take on the role of caregiver with the same commitment and determination he had during his professional years. So it comes as little surprise that he followed her shortly after she passed. Their love is Manny’s greatest accomplishment. Their unconditional love was palpable to anyone who had the pleasure of witnessing it.

They will be greatly missed by his daughters Ibis Ballester, Susan Mercado Gonzalez, and Kimberly Mercado Popp. His son-in-laws Jaime Ballester, Carlos Gonzalez, and Michael Popp. Manny’s legacy continues with his grandchildren: Jaime Manuel, Alexa, and Olivia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.