Manuel “Papa Man” Tellez, age 81, of East Chicago, passed away Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.  Manuel is survived by 3 children:  Elizabeth (Eddie) Gonzalez, Patricia Tellez, and Victor (Carolyn) Tellez; 9 grandchildren:  Omar (Jennifer) Gonzalez; Joshua (Kristina) and Jordan Gonzalez; Priscilla Hernandez; and Jessica, Jacklyn, Victoria, Jacob and Leo Tellez; 4 great-grandchildren:  Landon, Luca, Joshua and Paula; 2 brothers:  Francisco Tellez and Oscar (Renata) Tellez; numerous nieces and nephews; many many dear friends.  Preceded in death by his wife, Paula “Poli” Tellez in 2013; and grandson, Alfredo Tellez.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3510 Deodar St., East Chicago, IN with Rev. Carlos Martinez, A.I.C. officiating.  Burial to follow at St. John Cemetery, Hammond, IN.  Visitation will be on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN and on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of the Mass at 10:00 am at Church.

Manuel founded and operated the Supermercado Mexico grocery store in Indiana Harbor in 1973 and Casa Blanca Restaurant in 1977; building both into very successful businesses from the ground up; he was a big supporter of Club Azteca Soccer Club in East Chicago for many years; an avid Mexican Liga’s MX Club America Soccer team and Cubs fan; he also enjoyed music and was an amazing dancer.  Along with Manuel’s love of his family, spoiling his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and travelling, he will always be known as “The Man in White” for always looking dapper in his white attire.  Manuel's smile and always friendly disposition will be truly missed by all who knew him.  To share a memory or send a permanent online condolence, please logon to: www.fifefuneralhome.com 

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