Manuel Andrade Sr., a member of the Greatest Generation born on February 16, 1925 in Gilcrest, Colorado and Denver resident since 1955, passed away at his home February 3rd, 2020. Married on August 26, 1950, to Ruby nee Olivas, he was a loving husband, father to two sons, Andy and Stephan, grandfather of Kate, Xander and Sebastian, and father-in-law to Janice and Jane.
One of twelve children, He was the eldest son of David and Genevieve Andrade from the Greeley area. He is preceded in death by his sisters (Margret, Anne, Kaye, Jane and Francis) and four brothers (Paul, Tony, Joe, and John). He has two surviving brothers, Glen and Ernie.
Manuel Andrade received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colorado State College of Education (now University of Northern Colorado) and his Master of Science in Education from the University of Kansas. As an educator, Manuel defined and developed the bilingual education program in the state. He was an “on air” TV personality, teaching Spanish on KRMA, now PBS Channel 6. He was instrumental in implementing the precepts of the ruling of Brown vs. Board of Education in the Denver Public Schools, which allowed disadvantaged families the choice of better schools for their children.
During World War II, Manual was a Staff Sergeant serving in the 15th Engineer Combat Battalion 9th Infantry Division of the US Army.
He taught in Prospect Valley, Peyton and Telluride, Colorado, before he started his career in Denver.
Beginning in 1955, he served over thirty years in the Denver Public Schools, initially as an elementary teacher and finishing as the Assistant Superintendent for elementary education. During his time at DPS, he was on KRMA as a Spanish language teacher, a principal, a mentor and inspiration for a generation of Hispanics to enter the field of education. After retiring, he advised school districts throughout the western United States.
The family and community will miss his generosity, humor and love of music.
His service will be held at St Bernadette’s on February 11, at 11:00 a.m., with a rosary preceding the service and a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Denver Dumbs Friends League.
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