On the morning of Sunday, July 20th, 23-year-old Leroy S.A. Manogiamanu’s life was tragically and senselessly taken due to the devastating and unforgiving plague of gun violence. A young man full of life, promise, and heart, Leroy’s journey was cut short in a manner no mother should ever have to endure—a moment no family should ever have to face.
Leroy was more than just a name in a headline. He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend, and a vibrant soul who carried light and laughter wherever he went. He was known for his warm smile, his sense of humor, and his natural ability to uplift those around him. Whether it was through a joke, a helping hand, or simply his presence, Leroy brought comfort and joy to the lives of so many.
As a child, Leroy brought energy and mischief into every room. As a young man, he began to grow into his potential—with dreams, ambitions, and a strong sense of responsibility toward his loved ones. He had a special bond with his mother, a connection filled with deep love, mutual respect, and irreplaceable moments. To lose a child is a pain beyond description—a wound that never fully heals. For his mother, the tragedy of July 20th has left a void that words could never mend.
His death is not just a loss to those who loved him—it is a loss to our entire community. When a young life is stolen by violence, we all suffer. We lose not only the individual, but everything they could have been—the laughter they would have shared, the impact they would have made, the family they could have raised, and the legacy they would have created. Leroy’s life mattered. His story matters. And the injustice of his passing echoes deeply in the hearts of all who knew him.
As we remember Leroy, let us not allow his memory to be defined by the violence that took him, but by the life he lived and the love he gave. Let us remember his jokes, his loyalty, his music, his smile, his favorite places, and the way he made people feel seen and loved. Let his name be a call for justice, for peace, and for change.
To Leroy’s mother, family, and close friends—we grieve with you. We honor your pain, and we lift you up in strength and solidarity. No parent should have to bury their child. No mother should have to scream into the silence that follows a final goodbye. Your sorrow is shared by an entire community, standing beside you in mourning and in hope for healing.
Rest in power, Leroy S.A. Manogiamanu.
Your life was a gift. Your memory will never fade.
We will speak your name. We will remember your light. And we will continue to fight for a world where no more mothers have to feel this pain.
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