Emanuel Frank Toro

Manny Toro, a local business owner and musician in Grand Junction CO, passed away peacefully at home on February 24^th 2024.  He is the husband of the Late Helen Toro who passed away on October 14^th, 2017.  

He was born Emanuel Frank in Providence RI on March 10, 1935 to Vincenzo and Maddalena Toro.   The youngest of 7, he is the brother to his late sisters Maria Ceceri, Lucy Martini and Anne Masso and late brothers Louis, Salvatore and John Toro.  

Born into a very musical family, he followed in the footsteps of his father and brothers at a very young age joining the Rhode Island jazz scene. As a drummer he performed with some of RI’s greatest jazz legends.  Manny also played the valve trombone and had a beautiful singing voice. 

Manny is survived by his four children, Deborah (late Charles) Campbell of Grand Junction CO who had lovingly accepted the role as his caregiver in recent years,   Karen (Robert) Pinkham of Palm Coast FL, Cheryl (John) Legg of Dorchester NH and David (Cynthia) Toro of No Scituate RI. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren. 

Manny and Helen raised their Family in North Providence and then North Scituate, Rhode Island. He was the Owner of Kirby Vacuum and later Clean Aire Products in North Providence.

In 1990 they had an opportunity to move Clean Aire Products to Grand Junction CO and this is where Manny and Helen made their home for the next chapter of their life.   As he continued operating his business,   Manny also didn’t miss the chance to display his musical talents and play with some of Grand Junctions best jazz bands.

After retiring, he discovered a new found talent.  He began  playing the electric harmonica, with Toots Thielman being his Idol. “Harmonica Jazz w/ Manny” was his new gig.... playing harmonica and singing to his recorded musical standards in and around town at local venues. 

Manny was a regular at Wrigley Field and Scallywags.... With a pool stick in hand, a drink on the bar and a smile on his face, he enjoyed the conversations and hugs shared with his many friends.

He is greatly missed by his family as I am sure he is by his friends.  We take comfort knowing he is now with his wife Helen as well as his departed family and friends.  

A memorial is being planned for Manny late April in Grand Junction. A memorial is also being planned in July for both Manny and Helen as we take them to their final resting place in Rhode Island. Details of both will be shared when dates are finalized.