Manuel Bandarra Obituary

Manuel M. Bandarra, Jr.

November 25, 2025

ELIZABETHTON - Manuel M. Bandarra, Jr., age 96, of Elizabethton, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the Johnson City Medical Center. Manuel was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a son of the late Manuel Medeiros Bandarra, Sr. and Diamantina Teixiera Bandarra. In addition to his parents, Manuel was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna T. Bandarra in 2013; a brother, George Bandarra; and a sister, Agnes Bandarra.

Manuel retired from Holston Defense as a purchasing manager and was a United States Army veteran, having served in the Korean War. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church where he served as church treasurer and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was very active in church activities.

Manuel truly had a servant's heart and very involved in helping his community. He was a member of the Elizabethton City Planning Commission for over 30 years, a member of the Elk's Lodge and a volunteer at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.

He and his wife were world travelers and loved visiting places worldwide and sharing their time and new experiences together. He loved his family and his lifelong friends and will be missed and cherished in their hearts.

Those left to cherish Manuel's memory include his sons, Larry Lee Bandarra and wife Racheal of Elizabethton and Michael T. Bandarra and wife Lynn of Alexandria, Virginia; his beloved grandson, Michael Scott Bandarra; and several nieces, nephews and grand nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends between the hours of 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton.

The funeral mass for Manuel Bandarra will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church with Father Jesus Guerrero officiating. Music will be under the direction of the church.

The committal and entombment will follow the funeral mass at Happy Valley Memorial Park- Mausoleum of Peace. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mr. Bandarra's neighbors on McClellan Circle and also to Lorie Tilson and her family for their kindness and support during his illness.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations in memory of Manuel to the Alzheimer's Association, 2319 Browns Mill Road, Johnson City, TN 37604 or by visiting their website at www.alzfdn.org.