The Patrons of Italian Culture Mourn Passing of Past President Mannie Blas

It is with profound sadness and the deepest regret that the Patrons of Italian Culture announce the passing of their much loved, immediate past-president, Manuel “Mannie” Blas, Esq., on 19 April 2010, in Houston, Texas, reports Patrons President Paul Romano. For two decades Mannie Blas was the face of the Patrons most folks knew and immediately recognized at the many events the Patrons sponsored here in Southern California. Mannie Blas succeeded Prof. Henry Barbera, brother of Comm. Robert Barbera, Publisher of this newspaper, as President.

Under Mannie’s leadership the Patrons embarked on an energetic expansion of many varied social and cultural events offered to its members and the local Italian American community. Among them was the revival of the traditional St. Joseph’s Table and many extensive private tours of collections at LACMA and both of the Getty Museums. The annual Ferragosto and Christmas Celebrations were always well attended and received. Mannie was also instrumental in organizing the first of many Patrons annual Board of Directors retreats, held in various cities in the southwest, during the fall of each year.

During these four-day periods, in addition to meeting the leaders of the local Italian American community, Mannie guided Board members through the planning process for the next year’s events, as well as leading discussions for the funding of various worthy educational and charitable organizations. Born Manuel Untalan Blas, on August 22, 1930 in Agana, Guam, Mannie Blas was a well respected California attorney who specialized in mediation and labor relations. Blas attended the prestigious Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina, and thereafter law school at the highly respected University of San Francisco, California.

During the Korean War, he was stationed in Paris, France, with the U.S. Army. Mannie had the early opportunity of traveling to Europe as a young man in the company of his uncle, and his love of Europe and especially that of Italy never left him. Blas was a passionate advocate of civil rights, as evidenced by his many years of work for the labor unions in Los Angeles, during the 1960’s. He was also a prolific writer and poet, who drew upon Western history, philosophy and literature for inspiration in his work.

A respected supporter of the arts and educa- tion, he freely donated his time and energy to many cultural institutions throughout Los Angeles, in addition to the role of President of the Patrons. Blas was a devout Catholic, and his commitment and generosity to the Catholic Church and its many related charities remained steadfast throughout his lifetime. Such commitment was paralleled by his passion for the renowned football team at Notre Dame University, also known as "The Fighting Irish".

A Funeral Mass was held for Blas at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Hollywood, Ca., on Monday, May 3, that was attended by more than 200 family members, friends, colleagues of the legal profession, and representatives of many of the various local Italian organizations, in addition to members of the Patrons of Italian Culture. Mannie is survived by his loving wife, Vivian Pizzicara Blas, his son, John Blas, his daughter, Lisa Blas, his step- daughter, Enid Turner, and his four grandchildren: Colin Blas, Sienna Blas, Natalie Turner and Matthew Turner.

For those who knew, respected and loved Mannie and wish to remember him, donations can be made in his name to either: the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., or the City of Hope Cancer Research Center, Duarte, California.