Jose Mancias

Normal- José I. Mancias, 85, of Normal, IL, passed away on September 1, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He is now reunited with his loving wife, Lucy, who pre-deceased him in 2021.
José is mourned by his family and friends, which he made with ease. He leaves a son, Dan (Michelle) Mancias of Normal, Illinois and a daughter, Diane (Jeff) Johnson of Pleasant Hill, Illinois, grandchildren: Will (Terra), José, Xavier, Aidan, and Raquel, and great-grandchildren: Elliott and Rhett. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ruth Mancias of California, and nieces and nephews he cherished: Mary Anzaldua, Beatrice Cuen, Olga Garcia, Yolanda Sanchez, and Juan Mejia.
José was a long-time parishioner of Epiphany Catholic Church. He was devout in his faith, attending daily mass and leading the prayer of the rosary. His faith carried him through Lucy’s passing and through his own health struggles. He was also a fixture at the Normal ARC (Activities and Recreation Center), where one could find him on the treadmill, at line dancing class, or sitting with the guys drinking coffee and discussing world events. The family is extremely grateful for his friends reaching out and letting us know he was keenly missed when his deteriorating health prevented him from attending daily mass or the ARC.
Dad was also a fan of Chicago sports teams, golfing, live music, and dancing. He and Lucy were avid dancers, and Dad continued line dancing when he was still able. The phrase “Dad joke” was created with him in mind. He’d often interrupt a family a family dinner or gathering with, “hey you wanna hear a riddle?” then clearly annunciate the joke or riddle, and grin.
Prior to retirement, José worked at Calumet Steel and Reynolds Aluminum. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He was also known for finding joy in all things, his steadfast friendship to many, and living a life of humility, devotion, and resilience.
Mass for José will be held at 11:00am Friday, September 12, 2025 at Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in José’s name to Epiphany Catholic Church or the ARC Living Memorial Fund. The family wishes to extend gratitude to the medical and pastoral staff who cared for him and supported the family during his last days at OSF St. Joseph’s Medical Center.