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Heriverto Manuel Sandoval, of Merced, California, passed away on December 19, 2025. Born on September 14, 1995, in Los Banos, California. Manuel was a business owner and arborist. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades and a self-taught craftsman. Manuel was passionate about playing guitar, singing, woodworking and home improvement projects. His also enjoyed being outdoors and spending time at the lake, with his momma. Manuel Sandoval was the kind of soul you don’t meet often, the kind that fills a room before he ever sits down. He left far too soon at only 30 years old, and yet in that short time, he lived with a depth, passion, and love that many never reach in their lifetime. Life knocked him down more than once, but Manuel always rose again. That was who he was. Manuel found God, and once he did, he held onto Him with everything in his heart. He praised Him no matter the circumstance. He would fellowship, speak scripture with friends and family, and blend faith with laughter. Even when he was struggling, Manuel smiled the biggest, warmest smile, and somehow made others feel lighter just by being near him. From the moment he became a father, it was he and his son forever. He poured himself into making his son’s childhood memorable, meaningful, and full of love. Lake days, outdoor adventures, and playgrounds were sacred spaces for them. Manuel believed in teaching his son work ethic and pride. Together they built a chocolate stand, his son painted the sign himself, and they chopped and sold wood side by side. He loved raising a boy who could climb trees, get his hands dirty, and learn by doing. Through his business, Tree Artist, Manuel showed his son what dedication looked like. He brought him along so he could see firsthand how hard his father worked, how honest labor mattered, and how providing for your family was an act of love. Manuel was loud, in the best way. When he walked into a home, loneliness left. Empty spaces became full. He didn’t like to be alone; he loved being surrounded by friends and family, piled up on the couch, just together. Family meant everything to him, both blood family and the family he chose through friendship. If you needed him, he came. If you were hurting, he showed up. Manuel was selfless to the core. Manuel felt deeply. He loved fiercely. He believed boldly. He left us with a statement that now stands as a testimony of his faith, strength, and unshakeable spirit: “Anything that stands against me will be defeated!!!” Those words were not written in fear but in faith. They reflect the heart of a man who trusted God completely and knew who he was in Him. Manuel was chosen. A heart so full of love does not go unnoticed by God. And when the time came, God gently said, “No more, my son. It’s time to come home.” Manuel is survived by his son, Jonathan Marquez Sandoval; his parents, Santi Olvera and Heriverto Sandoval Jr.; and his siblings, Alissa Cisneros, Ariel Molina, Alexus Sandoval, Ian Sandoval, Aryanna Sandoval, and Ayden Sandoval. His grandmothers, Sylvia Stefanelli and Maria Esther Sanchez, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his godfather, Manuel Ruiz, with whom he is now reunited.

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Heriverto Manuel Sandoval

September 14, 1995 - December 19, 2025