Emanuel Blackman

Known affectionately as Manny—Dad, Grandpa, and Zadie to those he cherished most—he left this world on February 8, 2026, in Emeryville, California, surrounded by his loving family.

Emanuel, the eldest son of Morris “Moe” and Sadie Blackman, and protective older brother of Alfred Blackman, was born and raised in New York. He spent his early years in Manhattan and later in Brooklyn, near the boardwalk and bright lights, salty breezes, and familiar scents of Nathan’s at Coney Island—an early backdrop that sparked his curiosity, independence, protective instinct, and lifelong sense of adventure. He carried the resilience, sharp wit, and humor of his Brooklyn upbringing wherever he went, always ready with a story, poem, song, joke, or thoughtful observation—often eloquently delivered with a smoking pipe in hand.

Manny and his beloved wife, Lola Blackman, were married for 38 years until her passing in 2007. Together, they raised their daughter, Anya Cipa, and nurtured a rich and loving family inclusive of Lola’s children from her prior marriage—Niki, Kevin, and Jody—their spouses; seven grandchildren, Allon, Kelly, Jesse, Casey, Dylan, Caleb, and Sadie; and three great-grandchildren, Brit, Daniel, and Eden.

Before embarking on a career path, Manny joined the U.S. Marine Corps and honorably served in the Korean War in the early 1950s. His grandson, Caleb, later joined the Marines out of deep reverence for his grandfather’s service and example.

A lifelong progressive, Manny participated in countless marches, rallies, and boycotts in his chosen home of San Francisco during the 1960s and ’70s. It was there that he met and fell in love with Lola and her children, beginning the family life he desired.

He was a world traveler, voracious reader, skilled craftsman, and tireless boat tinkerer. Manny was equally at ease finding his sea legs and captaining his well-loved fishing boat on the San Francisco Bay as he was walking through the financial district in a well-pressed suit on his way to his insurance job.

Manny will be remembered for his steady presence, his ability to fix what seemed unfixable, and the life lessons he shared without fanfare: take care of your people, do the right thing, wake up each morning grateful for this new day, and never lose your sense of humor.

His ashes will be spread at sea at a later date, with an intimate memorial to follow.

Until then, we will close with his favorite poem, Barter, by Sara Teasdale.

Life has loveliness to sell,

All beautiful and splendid things,

Blue waves whitened on a cliff,

Soaring fire that sways and sings,

And children's faces looking up

Holding wonder like a cup.

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Life has loveliness to sell,

Music like a curve of gold,

Scent of pine trees in the rain,

Eyes that love you, arms that hold,

And for your spirit's still delight,

Holy thoughts that star the night.

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Spend all you have for loveliness,

Buy it and never count the cost;

For one white singing hour of peace

Count many a year of strife well lost,

And for a breath of ecstasy

Give all you have been, or could be.