Manuel de Jesus Luis Rijo, 79, of Rutherford passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021. Born in Dominican Republic to Abraham and Eustaquia (nee Luis) Rijo, one of eleven children. Forty-six years ago, in 1975, Manuel immigrated to the United States with his family. He worked very hard and was a successful car salesman, lastly for Empire Auto Sales in Little Ferry, before retiring. He always loved cars, especially older ones. Manuel was a simple man who treasured spending time with his family, often traveling to the Dominican Republic to see them. He had an affinity for Tarzan, cowboys and James Bond movies particularly the Sean Connery ones. Manuel also enjoyed Mexican music from the late Pedro Infante and Vicente Fernandez. He could always go for some Chofan.

Manuel was part of a large family including the mother of his children, Josefa Cepeda, his children, Manuel
Rijo Jr., Urania Rijo, Julie Rijo, Wendy Napoles,
his siblings; Margarita Rijo, Antonio Rijo, Ramon Rijo, Ana Rijo, Lidia Rijo, Virginia Rijo, Rosa Rijo, Cesar Rijo, Mercedes Rijo and Dilia Rijo,
his grandchildren; Kristen Morgado, Megan Rijo and Gabrielle Napoles.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 19th, 5:00 -7:30pm in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home at 19 Lincoln Avenue in Rutherford.

At the request of the Rijo family, to best ensure everyone's health in the midst of this pandemic, it is kindly requested that you wear a mask during visiting hours.